WFAA-TV

FORT WORTH - Federal officials say North Texas has become an emerging hub for a modern day slave trade.

Because of geography and the entertainment industry, the area is the perfect place to exploit people for sex and labor.

On the north side of Fort Worth, a raid shut down a major human trafficking operation several years ago. Since the late '90s, law enforcement said they have seen an increase in human trafficking. Now, there's a renewed effort to try to wipe it out.

The International Chiefs of Police Association delves into the secret world of human trafficking; and one officer has managed to breach te walls and delve into that world. He is one of few who work in the new Fort Worth Anti-Human Trafficking Division.

"You can buy a human being out on the street for $90 and put him to work as a slave," the undercover said.

Women, men, boys and girls are forced into prostitution. Some can end up having sex with different men every 15 minutes while others are purchased to work on farms or restaurants for little to no money.

"Some of them are put to sleep in garages," the officer said. "They're locked up in closets. They're being fed very minimal. Especially, the females are being verbally abused, physically abused."

While the problem looms large, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is very small. But now, more than 100 Fort Worth code enforcement officers are being trained to become foot soldiers for the unit.

"What they want us to be is the eyes and ears on the street," said Alex Southern, Fort Worth Code Enforcement.

Code officers are being trained to identify the signs of a human trafficking operation.

"We're all over town," Southern said. "Not only in the neighborhoods here, but [we are] around in the commercial districts. So, we'll be able to see not only the prostitution issue, but also people who are being forced to work 10 to 14 hour days, and getting paid $10 or $14 for the whole day."

Many of the prostitution rings are operated out of neighborhood bars, strip clubs and homes. CIA reports human trafficking problem will surpass drug trade.

E-mail dmiles@wfaa.com