By Reem Makari, reporter

Several suspects have been charged with modern slavery by Kent Police in Maidstone yesterday afternoon.

 Three young men have been charged with modern slavery, including 18-year-old Peace Alaka from The Grove in Gravesend and two 17-year-olds from Hemel Hempstead, who cannot be named for legal reasons. 

 Andrew Cooke, 61-year-old from Felderland Close in Maidstone, was also charged with modern slavery and with breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order.  

 The arrests are also linked to a drug supply network in Maidstone that Kent Police investigated in July and charged Reis Bhandal on the 20th of July on account of modern slavery and drug supply.  

 The suspects have all been released on bail and are set to appear in Maidstone Magistrate’s Court on 26th October.  

 Martin Very, a spokesperson from Kent Police, said “As this matter relates to suspects who have been charged, I am unable to comment further at this stage.”  

 However, if people are suspicious of a crime going on, they should phone 999 or use the online reporting system at: https://www.kent.police.uk/services/report-online/kent-police-online-reorting/  

Modern slavery has become a rising issue in the UK over the past few years and people should become more aware of the signs of modern slavery and what the common locations are that it takes place. Anti-Slavery International Charity has spoken up about this matter and is urging people to contact helplines in case they are suspicious of modern slavery in their area.  

 CEO Andrew Wallis OBE of Anti-slavery International Charity said:  

 “In 2017, the first full year of our Modern Slavery Helpline operating, we received over 3,500 calls, indicating almost 5,000 potential victims of modern slavery from 94 different nationalities.”  

 The “Unseen App” from the charity is a free app that people can use to guide them with spotting the signs of modern slavery and helps report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline. To call the helpline, contact: 08000 121 700.