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Human smuggling investigated

Sheriff’s office assisted by 4 law enforcement agencies

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Several law enforcement agencies are assisting the McClain County Sheriff’s Office with an investigation into human smuggling.

Sheriff deputies were called to 28030 SH 59 in the Wayne area just before 9:30 p.m. Monday, March 28 to investigate a semi-trailer truck that was parked with its lights off.

Deputies were told 40-50 persons were seen exiting the semi, all running in different directions.

In addition to deputies, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police were involved in the investigation.

McClain County Sheriff Landy Offolter said three foreign national females were located at a nearby business requesting assistance from the business owner.

Deputies provided medical aid to the females and transported them to a safe location.

No other persons were located at the time of the call.

The driver of the semi-trailer was reported to have left the scene prior to law enforcement arrival.

With assistance from the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Air Unit, a grid search was conducted to attempt to locate any other involved parties.

As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, the McClain County Sheriff’s Office was assisting seven foreign nationals with aid and resources as a result of being smuggled and left in the Wayne area.

Offolter said it is believed this is the result of a smuggling operation coming from Mexico.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics is assisting with the investigation and identifying resources to the affected foreign nationals.

The McClain County Sheriff’s Office does not believe there is any danger to the citizens or public at this time based on the ongoing investigation.

“We believe there are still persons outstanding in the area based on initial reports and would request members of the public to contact Purcell Communications Center if they see anyone in the area,” sheriff officials said.

The phone number to the Purcell Com Center is 405 527-4600.

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