HOUSTON - More than 200 peace officers and employees from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff's Office, FBI, and other local, state, and federal agencies converged on nine Houston-area bars suspected of engaging in human trafficking during a series of operations conducted Oct. 18.

The joint action resulted in TABC suspending the nine businesses' liquor licenses, as well as the removal of 84 suspected victims from the premises. The operation is believed to be the largest such investigation of suspected human trafficking at TABC-licensed businesses in state history, according to TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly.

"This operation's success is the result of careful investigation, undercover work, and coordination between TABC and our partners in the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance," Lilly said. "Human trafficking is a stain on our society, and it's unfortunately more prevalent than most Texans realize. I couldn't be prouder of our peace officers for their diligence, their willingness to work across agency lines, and their commitment to putting the safety of the victims first."

The investigation was made possible through the close working relationship between TABC and its partners in the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA), Lilly added.

"All of us within the Texas law enforcement community are committed to keeping our fellow Texans safe, as well as protecting anyone who's been victimized by human traffickers," he said. "I believe the men and women of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance are an incredible credit to their agencies and all of Texas."

The locations' TABC licenses were suspended as outlined in Section 11.614 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, which authorizes the agency to suspend a business's liquor license for up to 90 days if the commission determines "that the continued operation of a permitted or licensed business would constitute a continuing threat to public welfare."

Licenses and permits suspended during the Oct. 18 operation include:

• El Flamingo Club, 3715 Aldine Mail Route
• Koko Bongo, 955 Federal Road
• Los Escorpiones #2, 1636 Federal Road
• Los Escorpiones #5, 2815 Luell St.
• El Cruzero Sports Bar, 7715 W. Hardy Road
• Bora Bora Sports Bar, 11028 Aldine Westfield Road
• El Rinconcito Night Club, 743 Freeport St.
• La Condesa, 8810 Jensen Drive
• Las Margaritas Night Club, 210 E. Little York Road

No alcohol may be served or sold at the locations while the businesses' TABC licenses/permits are suspended. The case remains under investigation by TABC, the Houston Police Department, and other members of HTRA.

Media Contact:

Chris Porter

TABC Director of Communications

(512) 206-3462

[email protected]