This Montreal motel is known for its prostitution and underage prostitution activities as well as drug and gun trafficking. Several overdoses have also been reported at this location in recent years.
The police operation – one of the largest in the recent history of the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) – took place on June 20. To do so, the SPVM had to obtain a restraining order, a rare legal procedure that prevents the owner of a building from selling it or accessing their home for the duration of the proceedings.
Apart from stakeholders and social workers from the Health Network and Assistance Center for Victims of Crime (CAVAC), around sixty police officers from various departments participated in the activity.
Watch Marie-Michelle Lauzon’s statement in the video opposite.
A tactical intervention team was the first to intervene at the site. Four people were found unconscious and intoxicated in an apartment.
Subsequently, around ten women between the ages of 18 and 35 were found in several flats. Some were said to have been sexually exploited, while others showed poor physical condition.
All the people were cared for by CIUSSS and CAVAC personnel.
The hotel owner and employee were arrested. They face pimping and drug charges.
The move came as part of an investigation led by the SPVM’s access to and proceeds of crime unit that began last fall.
Situation out of control
After the epidemic, the police responded to calls about this type of crime at the Motel Saint-Jacques. According to information received by Noovo Info, the situation has gone out of control.
A police investigation began last fall. Evidence shows that there was incompetent management and that many vulnerable people were exploited there.
Also, many tenants live in the motel full time. They now have two weeks to find other accommodation. Resources are available to them, especially to help them find new homes.
Motel Saint-Jacques remains under the supervision of the SPVM until further notice.
For more details, see Marie-Michael Lawson’s report in the video opposite.
In collaboration with Emily Clavel for Nuovo Information
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