Peel police have made a major effort to help victims of human trafficking in a plan called "Project Innocence".

Dozens of women have been lured into a sex trade based in the Peel region, after making dates through online classified ads.

"When you have a 14-year-old involved in a sex trade in the region, it's quite disturbing to us in the police profession," said Peel's Deputy Chief Dan McDonald,

McDonald said six individuals came to police to rescue them from human trafficking. In total, police met with 71 sex workers over five weeks in various Mississauga hotel rooms.

One girl was only 14-years-old, and another 16-year-old girl was forced to hand a pimp most of her money. In another case, an 18-year-old mother from Eastern Europe was forced into prostitution to pay a debt.

Police say that one man met his date with a loaded handgun.

"Project Innocence" began with a $47,000 grant from the province, although police say they need more funds to continue.

"We'll do all we can for them," Det. Dave Van Allen said. "(We'll) put them in touch with social services, if they need housing, we'll see about housing, if they need more immediate needs to deal with their self esteem, counselling, whatever they need, we'll try to get it for them."

But authorities say they need to find the individuals first.

"There's not enough support for them out there," Const. Heather Richardson said. "We're doing the best that we can to go out there and get them off this track."

With files from CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry.