Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina State Highway Patrol launched a major one-day enforcement effort this week aimed at cracking down on human trafficking along the state’s busy I-40 corridor.
According to the agency, “Operation Highway Guardian” was held Tuesday, Aug. 27, and involved 316 uniformed law enforcement officers from state, county and local agencies. The operation focused on motor vehicle enforcement while also training officers to recognize signs of trafficking and educating the public on how to report it.
As part of the campaign, the nonprofit group Truckers Against Trafficking partnered with Walmart to set up a display trailer at the command post in Raleigh. The mobile exhibit highlighted national statistics and provided information about the scope of human trafficking in the United States.
Troopers conducted 1,587 traffic stops during the initiative and made 270 additional non-traffic contacts, each offering an opportunity to check for possible trafficking indicators and speak with drivers and passengers.
“The continued work by the State Highway Patrol and partner agencies across our state to combat human trafficking is crucial for saving lives and deterring offenders,” said Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the Highway Patrol. “We want the victims of human trafficking to know that we will work tirelessly to bring those who are participating in these callous acts to justice.”
Officials said the campaign reinforces the patrol’s broader mission of protecting residents and travelers across 80,000 miles of state-maintained roadway. Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious behavior by calling *HP or the national human trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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