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16 human smuggling victims found under a pile of construction materials

The deputy who pulled over the truck could hear knocking and pleas from under a wooden box on the trailer.
Credit: Facebook/Atascosa County Constable Pct 3

ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas — A traffic stop outside of Poteet led to the discovery of 16 human smuggling victims. 

According to a Facebook post from Atascosa County Constable Precinct 3, a truck carrying a trailer was pulled over as part of a traffic stop. 

After interviewing the driver, the truck trailer was moved to a secure parking lot for further inspection. 

The deputies reportedly heard knocking and pleas for help from under a pile of construction materials on the trailer. 16 human smuggling victims were recovered from under the pile. Two of the female victims were taken to a nearby hospital for heat-related medical issues. 

Multiple agencies responded to assist with the incident. 

The driver is in custody and could face possible federal smuggling charges. 

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