SLO County traffic stop leads to human trafficking investigation
Two human trafficking victims were rescued after a routine traffic stop led to an investigation last week, the California Highway Patrol said.
In a social media post, the agency’s Coastal Division said its officers stopped a vehicle for speeding on Oct. 20. As an officer spoke with the occupants of the vehicle, they observed “indicators of criminal activity,” the post said.
That’s when a suspected human trafficking investigation began, CHP said, with its commercial enforcement unit, investigative services and Templeton units joining the effort.
Two victims of human trafficking were identified and provided assistance and services thanks to the San Luis Obispo County Victims Advocate Group, CHP said.
“Human trafficking is a crime that exploits vulnerable individuals and often hides in plain sight,” CHP said.
The agency asked anyone with information or in need of assistance to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “INFO” to 233733.
