Portland Police Bureau Targets Human Trafficking on NE 82nd Avenue; Multiple Arrests Made

The Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) of the Portland Police Bureau has made a number of arrests and seizures around NE 82nd Avenue and NE Sandy Boulevard as part of a major crackdown on human trafficking in Portland. Over the past two months, the operations have been conducted in response to neighborhood complaints regarding disturbances and indications of illegal activity in the region. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, local precincts, and Safety Compass, a nonprofit organization that supports victims of human trafficking and exploitation, all contributed to the multi-agency operation.

Several people have been arrested or cited for Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities (UPPA) and Commercial Sexual Solicitation (CSS) as a result of local law enforcement efforts. According to a statement from the Portland Police Bureau, those arrested are Abdulaziz Al Ghadeer, 24, of Portland, OR; Ruben Blancas-Prado, 50, of Vancouver, WA; and Noah Bullard, 36, of Damascus, OR. Additional charges included misdemeanors for driving while suspended, firearm-related offenses, and warrant arrests. The missions furthered ongoing investigations by resulting in the seizure of two firearms and the towing of six vehicles.

About 30 providers were called, their needs were evaluated, and several types of support were provided as part of the operations’ victim service component. Safety Compass and PPB’s Victim Services Unit collaborated to offer advocacy and support to people under 25 who have been the victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Given the complexity of the cases involving survivors of human trafficking, the HTU places a strong emphasis on a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach.

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