Two people are in custody in Gatineau on charges of forcing three Ottawa teenagers into prostitution.

Police say the three girls were allegedly picked up near women's shelters and held captive for a year.

During that time, they were allegedly fed drugs, beaten, and sexually assaulted.

One of the girls escaped last week and sought help from a passer-by.

Gatineau police say the suspects are linked to a gang-related prostitution network. They are now being held without bail.