KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) - A multi-agency sting operation aimed at detecting human trafficking led to the arrest of six people on prostitution charges.

Undercover agents called phone numbers from 75 internet advertisements that appeared to offer commercial sex acts. One team concentrated on in-call operations, which led back to Knoxville, while the second team conducted outcall operations at a Lenoir City motel.

Three women showed up at the Lenoir City motel, while three other people were found working out of their own motel rooms in Knoxville.

The Lenoir City team arrested three people and charged them with solicitation of prostitution. Knoxville police arrested three others on the same charge. Incidental drug charges were also filed in three of the cases.

The goal of the operation was to identify those being exploited by traffickers and find help for those at risk of becoming victims. Investigators are still looking into the circumstances surrounding those who posted to determine if other people were involved in forcing them. 

The Lenoir City Police Department, Knoxville FBI office, Homeland Security, the Blount County Sheriff's Office and the Knoxville Police Department's Special Crimes Unit were all involved in the sting.