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Dozens arrested in Clayton County drug, prostitution sting

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News crews captured the arrest of several people as Clayton County Sheriff's deputies worked undercover to target prostitution and drug activity in a busy metro-area corridor.

Investigators arrested a total of 20 people in the operation, which included suspected drug dealers, prostitutes and people soliciting prostitutes, reported Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri.

Many of the men did not want to be on camera after deputies arrested them. Only one man, a young soldier, told Napier Viteri he made a mistake.

Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough said several residents have complained about the crime in the area.

"All of it relates to human trafficking. Of course human trafficking has become very big business, very lucrative business and involves several aspects of criminal activity," Kimbrough said.

He said sex trafficking, drugs and violent crimes are all connected. The sting is part of an effort to keep those crimes out of the heavily-traveled Tara Boulevard corridor.

He also warned people looking to engage in illegal activity in Clayton County that investigators will continue to target these crimes.

"Stay away from this sort of activity. We are out here watching, and we're going to catch you," he said.

The operation is the result of several weeks of surveillance.

Investigators said more cooperation from business owners and employees who witness crimes but don't report them are essential to have a lasting impact.

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