$4M In Stolen Cargo Seized, Suspect Arrested By LASD

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities have seized an estimated $4 million in stolen cargo and arrested one suspect during a search warrant operation tied to a cargo theft investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said this week.

Detectives with the department’s Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team carried out the warrant in Vernon, recovering a wide range of goods allegedly taken in thefts impacting eight companies, according to the LASD.

Items recovered included nicotine pouches, televisions, shoes, printers, data center cooling equipment, speakers and skin care products.

Companies affected by the thefts include ALP Drifter Nicotine, Foot Locker, Epson, DeepCool, Renkus-Heinz and Medicube, which sells products through Ulta Beauty, according to authorities.

One suspect, who was not publicly named, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property. The case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration, deputies said.

The investigation is part of broader efforts by the sheriff’s department to combat organized retail and cargo theft. In 2023, the agency launched a task force within its Major Crimes Bureau that includes teams focused on retail crime, cargo theft and burglary and robbery cases, according to authorities.

Officials said detectives regularly coordinate with local, state and federal partners in efforts to identify and arrest suspects involved in organized theft operations.