Howard County police charged nine men with solicitation of prostitution in an undercover operation on Route 1 in Laurel—the second such operation this year, officials said.

The nine were charged Friday following charges against eight in April, the department said in a press release.

Detectives and female officers working undercover charged the nine on solicitation of prostitution and related charges in Laurel along the U.S. 1 corridor.

Police were responding to citizen complaints of prostitution activity in the area.

Suspects who approached female officers offering money for sex were arrested, police said.

Charged were :

Billy O. Almadovar, 28, of Germantown; Tony E. Betanga, 37, of Elkridge; Mark D. Brooks, 47, of Columbia; Robert Johnston, 49, of Elkridge; Manuel C. Martinez-Bonilla, 34, of Laurel;  Tony A. Navarrete, 29, of Laurel;  Anselmo de Jesus Ramos, 42, of Hyattsville; Prince Quiwonkpa Torres, 19, of Laurel and Frankie C. Wleh, 35, of Rosedale.

In 2010, police conducted six similar operations, resulting in 76 arrests.

Citizens with information on prostitution activity are encouraged by police to call 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous.