Groton — Nearly a dozen people were arrested Tuesday during a prostitution and drug sting for activity that allegedly was occurring at numerous hotels in the Groton area.

The Statewide Narcotics Task Force East Office and town police initiated the investigation after receiving reports of suspected prostitution and drug trafficking at area hotels.

The investigation focused on suspected prostitutes who were advertising their services on the website www.backpage.com.

The following were arrested for prostitution: Adrienne Tomasi, 28, of Norwich; Krystal Bilodeau, 24, of Central Falls, R.I.; Pamela Brown, 31, of Groton; Cassandra Leporacci, 24, of Providence; Xiu Fang Gao, 36, of Flushing, N.Y.; and Amanda Evora, 30, of Providence.

The following were arrested for promoting prostitution: Yang Lin, 38, of Littleneck, N.Y.; Armand Barros Gomes, of Pawtucket, R.I., and Jordana Rosao, 23, of Providence.

Rosao also was charged with possession of hallucinogens and possession of hallucinogens with intent to sell.

Lauren Smith, 26, of Providence was charged with criminal violation of a protective order.

All suspects were processed at the Groton Town Police Department and given various court dates to appear in New London Superior Court.