Organized Crime Ring's Warehouse Raided East Of Lake Elsinore: RSO

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A months-long investigation into an alleged organized crime ring led to the discovery last week of 160 pallets of stolen merchandise in a warehouse off Highway 74, east of Lake Elsinore, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

After working to take down the operators of the organized retail and trailer cargo theft ring, investigators obtained enough evidence to secure a search warrant that was served around 8 p.m. May 9 in the warehouse located in the 24000 block of Highway 74 in the unincorporated community of Good Hope, according to the sheriff's office.

Inside, investigators found over 160 pallets of stolen merchandise, ranging from food products to industrial-grade tools. According to the sheriff's office, the recovered stolen property was valued at over $1.4 million.

The investigation had been ongoing since February.

A 34-year-old truck driver from Jurupa Valley was detained during the search warrant service and arrested on suspicion of possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia — both misdemeanors. He was released from custody on $5,000 bail, jail records show. No other arrests were announced.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies are working to determine the driver's involvement and identify additional suspects. No other information was released.