Victims of human trafficking found at marijuana farm in Salinas

UPDATED 6/7/18 10:00 p.m.

A Salinas marijuana farm is under investigation for possible human trafficking.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says more than 10 men and women were found living inside cargo containers.

The discovery was made Tuesday afternoon.

A county inspection team was at the marijuana farm as part of the process to renew its permit to grow.

It happened on the 2200 block of Alisal Road.

While the team was there they say 10 people were trying to run away.

It was later discovered the men and women – believed to be from Laos and Mongolia – were living in storage containers.

The DA’s Office and Sheriff’s Office have been investigating since.

“It’s a human trafficking for labor case meaning people were brought in – they weren’t forced in – they were brought in,” said Commander John Thornburg with the Sheriff’s Office, “It appears maybe told to do maybe x number of jobs or work and they would receive something.”

Right now, the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t believe the victims have been paid.

The Department of Homeland Security is helping in the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office was quick to point out it’s still taking the lead on the trafficking portion of the case and is not getting involved with immigration issues.

They say while the investigation continues, the 10 men and women are in safe places.

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The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office told KION 10 men and woman from Laos and Mongolia were found living inside cargo containers on a property along the 2200 block of Alisal Road.

Commander John Thornburg said the foreign nationals were brought to the property to work. It’s unclear if the victim’s have received any payment.

The Department of Homeland Security is joining the investigation.

KION’s Zach Fuentes will have more on the human trafficking case at 10 and 11 p.m.