California woman had nearly $500K worth of stolen goods from drug stores: police

A California woman was arrested after she was found to be in possession of more than $450,000 worth of stolen merchandise.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said in a Facebook post that 35-year-old Claudia Cruz was charged with organized retail crime, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit crime for her alleged involvement in a fencing operation.

Last Month, CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) began investigating a criminal network involved in a series of thefts targeting various retailers in the Bay Area.

By conducting surveillance operations, investigators identified suspects believed to be part of an Oakland-based illegal fencing operation, where criminals buy and sell stolen goods.

OAKLAND GAS STATION OWNER SIDELINED AFTER POLICE ALLEGEDLY TAKE HOURS TO RESPOND TO FLASH MOB ROBBERY

Using the information gathered, investigators obtained search warrants for a residence and multiple vehicles. The search warrants were executed on Aug. 15 with the help of the San Ramon Police Department.

During the search, investigators located a large quantity of stolen merchandise, which was seized and taken to a facility to be documented.

OAKLAND POLICE REFUTE CLAIMS IT IS DISTORTING MASSIVE CRIME FIGURE DROP

The stolen goods were worth around $450,000 and had mainly been swiped from drug stores, police said. (California Highway Patrol)

Detectives also learned during the search that Cruz leased a storage facility in Oakland. After obtaining an additional search warrant for the storage facility, investigators located additional stolen merchandise.

The estimated value of the stolen property was more than $450,000 and consisted mainly of goods sold at drug stores.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Ultimately, Cruz was arrested and booked into the Alameda County Jail.