California police find $2.2M in stolen goods in warehouse raid

Investigators recovered more than $2.2 million in stolen merchandise during a raid on a Southern California warehouse, authorities said, revealing what could be a hub in a broader cargo theft operation.

The California Highway Patrol said the June 18 search in Anaheim turned up pallets of goods, including Meta server switches, TaylorMade golf balls and hobby products tied to an ongoing investigation into organized retail crime. the recovered merchandise included 22,000 boxes of TaylorMade golf balls, 29 pallets of Horizon Hobby parts and supplies, and eight pallets of Meta server and switchboard components.

Investigators said each of the three cargo loads originated from a separate theft. Documents obtained during the search warrant indicate the cargo theft crew may be responsible for dozens of thefts connected to the warehouse, according to CHP.

Officials said the recovery highlights the continued efforts of investigators working to disrupt theft operations that can have far-reaching impacts on businesses, consumers and supply chains.

What investigators found

Photos shared by CHP show stacks of boxed merchandise and shrink-wrapped pallets from multiple companies, underscoring the scale of the haul. Investigators also said they have identified several other stolen cargo loads that passed through the warehouse and are pursuing additional leads.

Two people were initially detained during the execution of the search warrant, but investigators determined they were unwitting participants in a cargo fraud scheme and released them, CHP said. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify the seller of the stolen goods and any individuals involved in the thefts.

Cargo theft remains a growing concern

CHP officials said cargo theft and organized retail crime contribute to higher costs for consumers and economic losses for businesses.

According to CHP, cargo theft affects manufacturers, retailers, trucking companies and consumers, resulting in billions of dollars in losses each year. The agency said stolen goods can disrupt the supply chain and create additional costs throughout the transportation and retail sectors.

California accounts for 38% of all reported cargo thefts in the United States and ranks as the state most heavily impacted by the crime, according to CHP. The agency said losses incurred by the trucking industry, insurance companies and railroads exceed $10 billion annually nationwide, while the average loss associated with a cargo theft is about $225,000. CHP's Border Division Cargo Theft Interdiction Program has recovered 55 stolen cargo loads worth nearly $28 million so far in 2026.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on X @athompsonUSAT