Waterford man faces charges for human trafficking and drug use

In the United States, specifically in Michigan, a 43-year-old man named Quincy Lamar Bland has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to human trafficking. The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office reported that he trafficked two women from various hotels and motels across Metro Detroit, utilizing violence and drug dependency as means of control. Arrested by Waterford police on November 26, 2024, Bland’s actions are representative of a broader issue of human trafficking in the region. During the arrest, officers found a small quantity of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and heroin, along with numerous cellphones, two scales, and a significant amount of cash in his residence. Reports indicate that Bland would induce the women to remain awake and engaged in commercial sexual activities through the use of crack cocaine, a tactic that effectively kept them dependent on drugs and under his control. This method of exploitation highlights the predatory nature of human trafficking perpetrators. Following his arrest, Bland was charged with two counts of engagement in a human trafficking enterprise that resulted in injury and commercial sexual activity, in addition to other charges related to prostitution and drug possession. The case was presented to the court on November 27, where he was arraigned and issued a bond of $100,000. He is scheduled to return for a probable cause conference on December 10, 2024. Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the significant problem of human trafficking, noting that such crimes are often hidden and perpetrated against vulnerable populations. She praised the collaboration among law enforcement agencies in tackling this issue and commended the training aimed at addressing the complexities of human trafficking cases. The situation remains concerning, as many similar cases go unnoticed and unchecked, requiring vigilant responses from law enforcement and society at large.