The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) busted two prostitution rackets from hotels and massage parlours in Phuentsholing recently.

Thirteen sex workers, pimps, all non-Bhutanese, were arrested. Nine were women, and four men.

Four days ago, the police raided beauty parlours in the town and arrested three women and the parlour’s manager, also a woman.

Police officials said that the spa rooms were filled with used condoms.

Of the four men arrested, two were pimps and two were customers. The customers had come as tourists in the country.

The superintendent of police in Phuentsholing, Wangchukla, said that the raid was conducted based on information.

“We know there is a ringleader from across the border,” he said. “The police are looking for him.”

The ringleader supplies women from different places.

RBP officials have also made it clear that they are vigilant and have sensitised and briefed the hotels and their owners.

Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing