Police are “appalled” after two people were arrested in Rotorua for allegedly facilitating “underage prostitution”.
The 49-year-old man and 31-year-old woman are accused of running an illegal sex service which involved underage girls and supplying them with cannabis and methamphetamine.
The duo appeared in the Rotorua District Court today and are facing a number of charges.
These include assisting a person under 18 years of age to provide commercial sex services, unlawful sexual connection with a young person, possession of cannabis for supply and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
They have been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on October 27.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson said that police are “appalled that children are encouraged to prostitute themselves".
“Police are even more concerned that men are preying on young people in this situation.
“Taking advantage of young vulnerable people for financial gain is abhorrent behaviour,” he said.
Police also commented on the fact that the girls allegedly were given meth by the offenders.
“Police will continue to take every opportunity to hold those selling these harmful substances for gain to account.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone who believes they are a victim of a similar crime to call 105.
“Now that the matter is before the courts, no further comment can be made.”
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