Woman accused of human trafficking in Moncton-region denied bail

An 18-year-old woman accused of human trafficking in southeastern New Brunswick has been denied bail.

Saphira Bastien faces two charges of exercising control over the movements of a person under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating their exploitation, a charge of making child pornography, and a charge of advertising an offer to provide sexual services.

Bastien, who most recently lived in Dieppe, appeared in Moncton provincial court by video on Friday afternoon for a bail hearing.

Judge Luc Labonté heard testimony from several people before ruling she must remain in custody ahead of trial.

The judge issued a publication ban that prevents reporting the evidence given and reasons for the bail decision.

Bastien is scheduled to return to court May 3.

Two had been reported missing in Ontario

RCMP said in a news release earlier this week that she was charged after three people were rescued as part of an investigation into human trafficking.

Police say officers were called to check on a young woman on Ward Street in Moncton on April 12. Police said the woman had been reported missing in Ontario.

"The investigation later revealed that she had been brought to the area and was a victim of human trafficking," the statement said.

Then on April 16, RCMP say officers were called to a residence in Dieppe where another young female, also missing from Ontario, was found. Police say she was also believed to be a victim of trafficking.

An adult from Quebec, who police also described a trafficking victim, was also found at the Dieppe location.

Bastien was arrested April 16 at the location on Gauvin Road and charged the following day.

Police have said the investigation is continuing.

A publication ban restricts reporting anything that would identify the victims.