Essex Police is running proactive operations targetting human trafficking at Stansted Airport.
Officers worked with Border Force to identify potential victims being trafficked for the purposes of labour exploitation.
They also monitored flights coming into the airport from countries where vulnerable people may have been trafficked into the UK by organised criminals.
The two-day operation, over September 17 and 18, saw one safeguarding referral made.
DC Mark Ghosh said: “Vulnerable people can be promised stable jobs and then be brought into the country and forced to work for little or no pay. They might also be forced into sex work against their wishes.
“It leaves them unable to break free from the debts they or their families have to pay to the criminals who made the arrangements and control every aspect of their lives.
"If you have any information about human trafficking or modern slavery offences taking place, please tell us. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
"For more information about how to spot trafficking, you can visit our website."
For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.
We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian
Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here