A routine traffic stop in Quinte West has led to the disruption of a potential human-trafficking operation, says OPP.
In a release issued on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, police said last Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, shortly after 7 a.m., Quinte West OPP was conducting routine traffic patrols along Hwy. 401 and stopped a minivan.
“Officers found 14 people inside the vehicle. The investigation resulted in five individuals being detained and arrested on outstanding immigration warrants,” reported OPP.
“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,” said police.
On Friday, police said they believe this alleged 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, said police. Traffickers can control and pressure victims by force or through threats, including mental and emotional abuse and manipulation, explained OPP.
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, noted police.
The hotline number is 1-833-900-1010 or people can also visit canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca.
Investigators added that information about suspicious cross-border activity should also be reported to the CBSA Border Watch Line or by calling 1-888-502-9060.
No other information has been released.
