The Phoenix Police Department and FBI Shutdown Motel Related to Drug Trafficking and Prostitution
A Phoenix motel has been seized and shut down following a joint investigation by the Phoenix Police Department and the FBI into drug trafficking and prostitution on the property, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Assisted by Phoenix police officers, the FBI executed search warrants at the Royal Inn early Tuesday morning after a comprehensive two-year investigation, federal officials reported.
During a briefing about the operation, Phoenix Police Department Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro described the property as a “prolific neighborhood problem” and a hub for criminal activity near Interstate 17 and Bethany Home Road.
Although the investigation has led to charges of drug trafficking and prostitution, there are no human trafficking charges in the indictment at this time. One arrest has been made, while multiple warrants are pending, including for the owners and operators of the Royal Inn, according to Gary Restaino from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
While the owners and operators have not been charged with human trafficking, federal officials claim they were aware of the dangerous activities taking place on the property. Law enforcement asserts that the motel was knowingly used for sexual exploitation, with over a thousand victims identified during the investigation.
In response to the closure of the Royal Inn, Phoenix City Councilwoman Betty Guardado commended the collaborative efforts of the City of Phoenix Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and the FBI, stating that the action was a crucial step towards restoring safety in the neighborhood.
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