One person was arrested and detectives seized about $4 million worth of stolen cargo after serving a search warrant in Vernon, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported Friday.
The search and seizure was conducted by the Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team, part of the LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau.
“Eight companies were affected by these thefts,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. “The stolen cargo freight recovered included nicotine pouches, televisions, shoes, printers, data center cooling equipment, speakers and skin care cosmetics.”
Impacted companies include ALP Drifter Nicotine, Footlocker, Epson, Deepcool AI, Renkus-Heinz and Medicube Ulta Beauty, the LASD reported.
“The suspect was arrested and booked on charges of receiving stolen property,” according to the sheriff’s department, which will present its case to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
The LASD’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force, which operates along with the department’s Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team and the Burglary and Robbery Task Force, was formed in September of 2023 in response to the growing problem of cargo theft.
“Detectives work in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, other organized retail crime task forces and federal partners to address retail theft incidents,” according to the LASD.
Anyone with information regarding cargo theft was urged to contact the Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team at MCBCARGOCATS@lasd.org or 562-347-1261.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.lasd.org.