Traffic Stop Turns Into Human Smuggling Investigation (KKTV-CO)

Traffic Stop Turns Into Human Smuggling Investigation
Posted: 10:23 PM Dec 2, 2010
Updated: 6:29 AM Dec 3, 2010
Reporter: KKTV

Colorado State Patrol says a traffic stop in a construction zone just north of Trinidad on Thursday has landed one person in jail, and nine others in trouble with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Authorities say they stopped a 2001 Honda Odyssey mid-morning on Thursday, as it was allegedly speeding through a construction zone at about mile marker 13, on I-25.

Troopers suspected a human smuggling operation might be going on, as nine of the individuals in the van were undocumented immigrants, apparently from a number of areas including Mexico and Guatemala.

No names have yet been released in the case, but authorities say charges are pending for the man that was behind the wheel of the van.

Stay with 11 News as more details are released about this investigation.