Police Raid 3 Tuscaloosa Area Massage Parlors in Human Trafficking Investigation

Police in the Tuscaloosa area are raiding a trio of massage parlors at the end of a lengthy investigation into alleged human trafficking and prostitution.

Stephanie Taylor, a spokesperson for the Tuscaloosa Police Department, said agents of the West Alabama Trafficking Task Force are conducting raids at three massage spas and one local residence.

Taylor said the investigation began 18 months ago after complaints from citizens and neighboring business owners.

The searches are happening on Skyland Boulevard, Hargrove Road East, and one parlor on McFarland Boulevard in Northport.

Taylor said specific addresses and business names will be released when the investigation is complete.

"Assisting agencies include the revenue, code enforcement and building inspection departments from Tuscaloosa and Northport, both city fire marshals, and the Institute of Data and Analytics at the University of Alabama," Taylor said. "Counselors with Trafficking Hope, a nonprofit that partners with law enforcement to provide services for human trafficking survivors, are accompanying officers on scene."

More information is expected to be made available later Thursday.