SoCal task force recovers $8 million in stolen cargo, 20 stolen cars; meth lab dismantled

A multi-agency law enforcement task force targeting train cargo and vehicle theft across Southern California has recovered $8 million worth of stolen cargo and 20 stolen cars, as well as seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and 20 guns, authorities announced Friday.

The months-long investigation culminated on June 20, when task force members served a series of search warrants through San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties, as well as one location in Arizona, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The raids were part of "a complex investigation involving numerous stolen vehicles and miscellaneous cargo stolen from trains," the CHP said in a written statement. The case was spearheaded by the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force, or SANCATT.

Fifty-one suspects have been arrested during the wide-ranging operation, officials said.

"Authorities have recovered 20 stolen vehicles, seized 20 firearms, 48 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, and 425 pounds of crystal methamphetamine," according to the CHP statement. "Additionally, they located one clandestine methamphetamine lab and recovered $325,000 in U.S. currency and over $8 million in stolen cargo."

The arrestees were booked on suspicion of crimes including train burglary, vehicle theft, operation of a meth lab, possession of drugs for sales, possession of assault weapons, child endangerment and criminal conspiracy, officials said. They were being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

The task force isn't finished.

"This is an active and ongoing investigation," the statement said.

Participating agencies include the CHP, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Roadway and host of law enforcement colleagues from throughout Southern California, as well as federal investigators.