Por Redaccion 
Most of them are migrants and were lured in by deception to take advantage of their economic vulnerability
The National Police have arrested two individuals in the town of Orihuela, Alicante, for their alleged involvement in crimes related to prostitution, public health (drug trafficking), and money laundering. In the operation, eight women who were sexually exploited in a brothel were rescued and forced to sell drugs.
The investigation began after the National Police received information that several women were being sexually exploited in a brothel in Orihuela. Specifically, the victims were lured in by deception exploiting their economic vulnerability, as stated by the Superior Headquarters in a press release.
The alleged perpetrators appeared to be a man and a woman. Additionally, the agents believed they could supply drugs to the clients who visited the location.
Subsequently, the Provincial Immigration and Borders Brigade of the National Police in Alicante took charge of the investigation and carried out the initial proceedings, confirming the accuracy of the information.
The perpetrators used erotic content websites to offer job conditions that were ultimately not met, leading to sexual exploitation. The man was responsible for recruiting the victims, while the woman managed the brothel in his absence. Her task was to set the rates and conditions of the services, ranging from 20 to 100 euros.
The victims were required to give 50% of their earnings and be available 24 hours a day, with no option to refuse clients or services. They were under strict control: they did not have keys to the house, could only leave to buy food, and were monitored by video surveillance cameras. Their earnings and work performance were also recorded in an agenda.
It was discovered that the victims were also coerced into participating in drug trafficking activities. They were forced to go to a drop-off point where they picked up cocaine hidden in cigarette packs or plastic bags, transporting between ten and 20 grams in each transaction.
Furthermore, they lived crowded in a small room with three beds and minimal ventilation. When the number of women exceeded six, one had to sleep in the room designated for sexual services, being required to leave when a client arrived.
ARRESTS AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS
After completing the investigation, the agents carried out the operational phase in the brothel. The two suspects, a 57-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, were arrested.
Five new victims were also rescued, totaling eight women with ages ranging from 24 to 51, all of South American origin and mostly in irregular administrative status.
During the search, various items related to the investigated crimes were seized, such as documentation related to sexual exploitation, seven packages of cocaine, three bottles of ‘popper’ (a substance allegedly used to enhance pleasure), 29 sexual performance enhancer pills, 350 euros in cash, and two mobile phones.
With the profits from the illicit activity, the detainees had acquired the property where the events took place. The arrested individuals have been handed over to the Orihuela Court of Instruction.