A routine traffic stop in Quinte West has led to the disruption of a potential human trafficking operation.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, shortly after 7:00 a.m., members of the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting routine traffic patrols along Highway 401 then they stopped a mini van.
Officers found 14 people inside the vehicle. The investigation resulted in five individuals being detained and arrested on outstanding immigration warrants.
The five foreign nationals, ranging in age from 23 to 59, were transported to the Quinte West OPP Detachment and were later turned over to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Police believe this incident involved individuals who were victims of human trafficking who were being exploited for forced labour.
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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
