CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers in the North Tryon Division are out to send a message.

For multiple nights this week, the division deployed undercover officers throughout Sugar Creek Road near I-85 in a push to curb prostitution along the hotel corridor.

(WEB EXTRA: Man arrested for soliciting prostitution)

One of the first alleged customers arrived within minutes, a Latino male, accused of soliciting prostitution.

Just drive along Sugar Creek Road in north Charlotte near I-85 and you will see the problem.

For decades, police said both prostitution and drug use have continued to be among the main crime drivers in the north Charlotte corridor.

“I've been working in this division for five years, and I've seen this trend continue on and on without any slowdown to it,” said Officer Tim Abramo.

On Thursday, Abramo stood patiently at Division Headquarters ready to arrest alleged sex buyers, as his colleagues, working undercover, lured them in.

Police arrested seven people Thursday night, six of them charged with solicitation.  A seventh person was arrested on drug charges.

(WEB EXTRA: Officer Tim Abramo talks about CMPD's prostitution sting)

Wednesday night, undercover officers targeted the prostitutes along the hotel corridor.  Within four hours, they arrested seven people.

“We want to stop the problem at its root,” Abramo said.

Cox Media Group

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