Cargo theft sting nets $325K in cash, $8M in stolen goods and 51 arrests

Josh DuBose
·1 min read
3

A monthslong multi-agency investigation into a cargo and vehicle theft operation in Southern California yielded more than 50 arrests, hundreds of thousands in U.S. currency and over $8 million in stolen cargo, authorities with the California Highway Patrol announced Thursday.

Authorities say the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force conducted the complex investigation into numerous stolen vehicles and miscellaneous cargo stolen from trains.

On June 20, according to a CHP news release, law enforcement agencies from across Southern California, including Homeland Security Investigations, executed search warrants at locations in three separate counties and one location in Arizona.

  • Cargo theft bust
    $325,000 in U.S. currency recovered during the June 20, 2024, bust. (CHP)
  • Cargo theft bust
    Guns recovered in a June 20, 2024, multi-agency cargo theft bust in Southern California. (CHP)
  • Cargo theft bust
    More than $8 million in stolen cargo recovered in the June 20, 2024, bust in Southern California. (CHP)

During the operation, investigators recovered more than $8 million in stolen cargo, $325,000 in cash, 425 pounds of methamphetamine, 48 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, a clandestine methamphetamine lab, 20 rifles and handguns and 20 stolen vehicles.

Additionally, 51 arrests were made in connection to the cargo and vehicle theft ring.

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The arrestees were booked at SBSD’s West Valley Detention Center on felony charges related to train burglaries, conspiracy, VIN-switched stolen vehicles, operation of a meth lab and the sale of meth, as well as for child endangerment and possession of automatic weapons.

Detectives did not list the identities of any of those arrested during the sting, but said the situation remains an active and ongoing investigation.

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