December 3, 2025
Fife, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) arrested nearly a dozen individuals during an overnight operation dubbed “Operation Human Freight.” The law enforcement effort used undercover detectives to identify and assist individuals involved in human trafficking and prostitution. The operation was initiated by WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD) based on observed activity near truck stops in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to hold traffickers accountable and safeguard vulnerable members of our community,” said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. “We will continue to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to disrupt these criminal networks.”
On the evening of November 25, 2025, detectives established a base at a truck stop in northern Pierce County near the I-5 corridor. Officers were focused on identifying individuals involved in promoting prostitution as well as potential victims of human trafficking. Within eight hours, officers contacted eleven women who were determined to be victims of prostitution and/or human trafficking. A 41-yearold Tacoma man with 19 prior felony convictions was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail for human trafficking and promoting prostitution. The goal of the operation was to identify victims and provide them with access to available resources. Advocates from Kitsap County and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were on scene to provide services and contact information to those affected.
During the operation, detectives arrested individuals for the following crimes:
• RCW 9A.40.100 – Trafficking 2nd degree
• RCW 9A.88.070 – Promoting prostitution 1st degree
• RCW 9A.88.080 – Promoting prostitution 2nd degree
• RCW 46.61.502 – Driving under the influence
The operation was a collaborative effort between multiple agencies including:
• Washington State Patrol
• Fife Police Department
• Tacoma Police Department
• Lakewood Police Department
• Puyallup Police Department
• Seattle Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office
• Rebuilding Hope
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