LAPD Recovered $1 Million in Stolen Cargo

Authorities seized 60 pallets of goods taken from railroad property during a raid in Whittier.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Property Crime

LAPD Recovered $1 Million in Stolen Cargo

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The Los Angeles Police Department recovered $1 million in stolen merchandise and arrested a business owner following an investigation into cargo theft. Detectives discovered approximately 60 pallets of goods, including sportswear and vacuums, that were allegedly taken from BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad property.

Why it matters

The recovery highlights ongoing efforts by local and railroad law enforcement to combat organized cargo theft in Southern California. The operation, led by the Commercial Crimes Division-Cargo Theft Task Force, underscores the scale of goods being diverted from freight networks.

Waseem Saman, a 45-year-old resident of Placentia, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property and booked at the Van Nuys Jail. The suspect has since been released on his own recognizance as the investigation continues.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within the city of Los Angeles.

Waseem Saman

He is a 45-year-old business owner from Placentia who was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property.

BNSF

This is a major North American freight railroad network that reported the theft of its cargo.

Union Pacific Railroad

This is one of the largest railroad companies in the United States, operating across the western two-thirds of the country.

The details

Detectives executed a search warrant at a business called Shoes n Shoes in Whittier to locate the stolen goods. The recovered items included travel cups, sportswear, backpacks, and vacuums.

Police announced the recovery of the cargo on September 30, 2026.
Detectives served the search warrant in Whittier on October 1, 2026.
The suspect was released on his own recognizance on October 2, 2026.

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Legal Context

This recovery is part of an ongoing initiative to address the rise in organized freight theft that has increasingly targeted major logistics hubs. Law enforcement agencies are shifting resources to collaborate more closely with railroad police to secure transit infrastructure.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are continuing to examine the scope of the stolen merchandise. Residents or businesses with information regarding suspicious cargo activities are encouraged to contact the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-8766.

The takeaway

Cargo theft remains a significant concern for regional supply chains and local business integrity. Authorities advise that receiving goods under suspicious circumstances can lead to serious criminal charges regardless of the buyer's knowledge of the origin.