A routine traffic stop in Quinte West has resulted in what police call the disruption of a potential human trafficking operation.
On Friday, October 3 shortly after 7 a.m., Quinte West OPP stopped a mini van on Highway 401 while conducting routine traffic patrols.
Officers found 14 people inside the van.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of five foreign nationals, ranging in age from 23 to 59, on outstanding immigration warrants.
They were transported to the Quinte West OPP detachment and were later turned over to the Canada Border Services Agency.
Police believe this incident involved individuals who were victims of human trafficking and were being exploited for forced labour.
OPP say human trafficking involves recruiting, moving or holding victims to exploit them for profit, usually for sexual reasons or forced labour.
Traffickers can control and pressure victims by force or through threats, including mental and emotional abuse and manipulation.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims/survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Human Trafficking, contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or online on canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060.
