HPD: Nearly 20 people found in apparent human smuggling at southwest Houston apartment article HOUSTON - Authorities are investigating what appears to be a human smuggling incident at a southwest Houston apartment Wednesday, where at least 20 people were found. Details are limited as the scene is still active, however, HPD says they were called out to the 6400 block of South Gessner, for what's believed to be a human smuggling investigation. During a press conference with HPD Asst Chief Michael Skillern, there were a total of 19 people were found, but initially, officers received a call for about 30 to 40 people inside a small one-bedroom apartment. Responding officers inside the apartment, say there was no formal living furniture, but the people inside did not appear to be suffering from malnutrition.