Human trafficking is the second most profitable criminal enterprise in the world. It's estimated to rake in $32 billion per year after drug trafficking. San Francisco is one of the nation’s trafficking centers.
Sergeant Tony Flores works with the special victims unit for the San Francisco police department. He handled more than 50 trafficking cases last year, and recently helped bust a corner street fruit vending operation that trafficked Mexican teenagers.
SGT. TONY FLORES: And you can see that, you’re a 15-year-old kid who’s been smuggled into the United States, and that fear sets in. The cops are corrupt. And if you say anything, you’re going to be thrown in jail, and you’re never going to be heard from again.
KALW’s Ben Trefny sat down with Sgt. Flores and asked him what the department is looking for to determine if someone is being trafficked, and what the department is doing to combat this issue.
To listen to this extended web interview, click the audio player above.
This interview originally aired on January 15, 2014.
To find out more information on Anti-Human trafficking at the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition.
