Man arrested in Calgary for human trafficking

Police have arrested a man in Calgary for human trafficking after the suspect was convicted of similar crimes in Quebec.

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) assisted by the Calgary Police Service arrested Xavier Herbert on Dec. 4 after an investigation indicated he was engaged in illicit sex and drug activity.

Police say the 22-year-old man had served time for human trafficking-related offences in Quebec dating back to 2021.

“ALERT’s investigation revealed that the suspect had relocated to Calgary and was trying to get involved in sex and drug trafficking,” said Staff Sgt. Gord MacDonald of ALERT.

“Our team acted quickly to make an arrest and prevent further people from being victimized.”

Two people believed to be victims were located and are being provided assistance by ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinator.

The suspect’s Beltline home was searched and small amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine as well as a replica handgun were found.

Herbert’s charged with procuring and advertising sexual services, material benefit from sexual services, possession of proceeds of crime, drug trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He’s been remanded in custody and is to appear in court on Wednesday.

A second man was arrested at the Beltline home and identified as an associate of Herbert’s.

Vincent Houle, 18, has been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of a forged credit card.

Those with information on the case are asked to call Calgary police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Anyone victimized by human trafficking can call 211 for help.

BKaufmann@postmedia.com

X: @BillKaufmannjrn