Stolen semi-trucks recovered

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Two stolen trucks have been recovered with the help of technology.

According to Medley Police, two large semi-trucks were stolen from shipping company Continental Freightways, Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of perishable items, including cheese, meat and seafood, were inside the stolen trucks. "We're talking possibly over $400,000," said Medley Police Lieutenant Joe Olmedo.

According to police, one of the stolen trucks dropped off the cargo at Alba's Freezer Corporation, located in the 2600 block of 72nd Avenue, Sunday. This truck was recovered at Northwest Seventh Street and 74th Avenue. The other truck, which still contained the perishable items, was found at Northwest 70th Street and 74th Avenue.

Police were able to locate the stolen big rigs because GPS tracking devices were installed in both vehicles. Olmedo said, "The GPS was 100 percent on target, and without the GPS, we probably weren't going to be able to make an arrest, not in the timely manner that we did today."

"The expense of getting GPS was well worth it," said Gary Bell, whose business partner owns produce. "That's unbelievable. That's really unbelievable "That's what did it. That's what did it."

According to Medley Police, Alba's Freezer Corporation has been shut down. The company's owner, Alberto Leyva, was arrested and charged with grand theft cargo because he stored the stolen goods. "This is huge, and we were just happy that we were able to recover everything for the owner," said Olmedo.

Authorities found more items at the warehouse, which may be connected to previous burglaries. Olmedo said, "Also, it appears that there are loads of other products from other burglaries. We have federal and county authorities on scene, looking into that matter at this moment."

Police have not yet linked Leyva to physically stealing the freight liners, but they believe this is just the tip of the iceberg of a much larger scam that could involve other companies. He bonded out of jail on $10,000 bond. Federal authorities are now also involved in the investigation.

If you have any information on who stole the trucks, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward valued to up to $6,000.

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