Det. Sergeant Gary McBride said the trafficked men and women worked on farms, factories and warehouses and were taken from their living quarters to their workplaces by private buses.

“The foreign workers described … live in appalling conditions, including overcrowding, with dozens of people sleeping on mattresses on the floor, a lack of food, a lack of privacy and insect infestations,” McBride said.

“They also described forms of coercion and control, including isolation, lack of freedom, financial bondage, threats and assault.”

McBride said those rescued ranged in age from their twenties to their forties.

A group working with police to help trafficking survivors said the Mexican nationals agreed to come to Canada so they could support their families.

“These survivors are so humble, respectful, kind and gentle,” said Jasmine De Fina, a specialist with Victims Services of York Region.

“The survivors feared being charged and deported, as this is a normal fear for human trafficking survivors,” she said.

Police launched an investigation in November after receiving a tip from another Mexican national.

During the three-month investigation, which consisted of surveillance and interviews with several witnesses, police said they learned alleged traffickers had enticed workers to come to Canada with promises of a better life.

However, once the workers arrived, police claimed they were forced to work long hours for little pay.

“It was heartbreaking to see the condition of the workers’ living conditions given the promises made to them,” York Police Chief Jim MacSween wrote in a statement.

“The Hispanic officers who assisted in the investigation were also deeply affected, as they could see the reflection of their own family and friends in the faces of these hard-working people who were just trying to find a better life.”

Investigators executed search warrants at a farm, large estate, bungalow, mansion and condominium in the Ontario cities of East Gwillimbury, Vaughan, Toronto and Mississauga

A 45-year-old faces 10 charges, including one charge of participation in a criminal organization and six charges of human trafficking. A 49-year-old detainee faces six charges of human trafficking. Others who have been arrested face various charges related to human trafficking.

Investigators are looking into how the alleged traffickers targeted workers in Mexico and how long the trafficking gang has been active. Police said they believe the key operators of the ring have been arrested.

York Regional Police Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida urged Canadians to inform police if they suspect employers are exploiting foreign workers.