TAMPA — The Tampa Police Department said detectives rescued two local human trafficking victims.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the investigation began when one of the victims escaped and reported it to police.

The victim met the suspect while living in Cuba, and investigators say the suspect promised to help her get to the U.S. but that she would owe $80,000, "Which she had to work as an exotic dancer to pay off."

The victim said she was brought to Mexico and crossed the border into Texas in December 2022 and was then flown to Tampa.

Once in Tampa, according to police, she was only allowed to leave the suspect's home to go to work. In late February, she escaped.

After her report to police, detectives in the department’s Human Trafficking Task Force identified another victim who was brought to Tampa under similar circumstances.

Both victims have been connected with community organizations and advocates, police said.

Detectives are working to identify additional victims. The suspect’s name wasn’t announced in the release.

If you or someone you know needs help and is a victim of human trafficking, you can submit an anonymous tip using 411 or by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline.