FIFE, WA — Nearly a dozen individuals were arrested in an overnight human-trafficking operation conducted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the agency announced Wednesday.
WSP detectives carried out “Operation Human Freight” on November 25, launching the coordinated effort after observing suspicious activity near truck stops in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. Undercover officers worked through the night to identify individuals promoting prostitution and to assist potential victims of trafficking.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to hold traffickers accountable and safeguard vulnerable members of our community,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. He added that the agency will continue working closely with local, state and federal partners to stop trafficking networks.
Detectives set up a base at a truck stop in northern Pierce County along the I-5 corridor and contacted eleven women who were determined to be victims of prostitution or human trafficking. A 41-year-old Tacoma man with 19 prior felony convictions was among those arrested. He was booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges related to human trafficking and promoting prostitution.
Advocates from Kitsap County and the FBI were on hand to provide support and connect victims with services.
Arrests during the operation included the following allegations:
- Trafficking, 2nd degree
- Promoting prostitution, 1st degree
- Promoting prostitution, 2nd degree
- Driving under the influence
WSP noted that the effort brought together several agencies, including police departments from Fife, Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup and Seattle, along with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and nonprofit group Rebuilding Hope.
The operation was led by WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division, which initiated the effort after identifying concerning activity in the region’s commercial corridors.
