"Project Beckon" has resulted in 20 men arrested and charged with Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration.

A year-long joint police operation between Brandon Police and the Winnipeg City Police - Counter Exploitation unit led to the arrests this weekend, which included the seizure of 15 vehicles.

The goal of the project was to target the demand side of sexual exploitation and the safety of those who are exploited.

Although arresting 20 was a great start, Sergeant Kirby Sararas, Public Information Officer for Brandon Police Service, says this is just the start.

"It's kind of bitter-sweet. Yes, the project was successful because there were arrests, but it's really unfortunate that there is a need to make arrests," said Sararas. "We really want to make sure the people that are exploiting individuals know that this won't be tolerated. We're hoping people will think twice about doing this because they're going to get caught."

"This is an ongoing effort to put a stop to these people that are doing the exploiting," she added. "We need to put a stop to this at all costs."

14 of the men are from Brandon. The remaining six men are from Erickson, Virden, Souris, Shoal Lake, and Winnipeg.

Court dates for the men are scheduled for September in Brandon.