Stolen Lobster Valued at $400,000
The shipper, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed that the theft occurred sometime between December 16th and 20th. The consignment was being transported from a supplier in the Pacific Northwest to a Costco distribution center in Southern California.
A spokesperson for the shipper described the incident as a "coordinated effort" to steal the high-value cargo. "We're working closely with law enforcement to track down the stolen lobster and bring those responsible to justice," the spokesperson said.
Costco and Suppliers Scramble to Assess Damage
Costco has issued a statement assuring customers that the incident will not impact the availability of their products. However, suppliers are reportedly scrambling to assess the damage and determine the full extent of the losses.
"The theft of this large quantity of lobster is a significant blow to our business," said a spokesperson for a major seafood supplier. "We're working closely with Costco to ensure that our customers continue to receive the high-quality products they expect from us."
Authorities Launch Investigation into the Heist
Local authorities are leading the investigation into the theft, with the help of federal agencies. Detectives are reviewing security footage from the transportation route and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events surrounding the theft.
"We're taking this incident very seriously and are doing everything in our power to track down the stolen lobster and bring those responsible to justice," said a spokesperson for the local police department.
The incident has left the shipping industry reeling, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent such thefts in the future.