EL PASO, Texas – The Sinaloa cartel is under the spotlight again, this time for targeting cargo trains traveling between California and Arizona. Federal authorities have arrested 11 individuals linked to the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of Nike shoes from a BNSF train near Phoenix. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of train thefts that have been increasing over the past two years, linked to the transnational criminal organization based in Sinaloa, Mexico.
How the Cartel Executes Train Heists
According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the cartel’s tactics are both sophisticated and dangerous. After identifying a train carrying valuable goods, associates break into moving container cars using metal-cutting saws and bolt cutters. They specifically target containers secured with locks, believing they contain high-value merchandise like electronics, tools, and footwear.
One of the most dangerous tactics involves cutting the air brakes of the train, forcing it into an emergency stop. This reckless act risks derailment, which could endanger the lives of railroad workers and civilians nearby. In addition, thieves tamper with signal boxes, creating “dark areas” in the rail network where communication and safety signals fail. This jeopardizes trains traveling at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour on busy tracks.
How the Stolen Goods Are Moved and Sold
Once the train is stopped, cartel members offload stolen goods into the surrounding brush. Using cellphones, they coordinate with accomplices who are waiting nearby in vehicles, including box trucks and trailers. The stolen items are transported to warehouses or sold to retailers in California or online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
Federal court documents reveal that the stolen Nike shoes in Monday’s heist were valued at $202,500. Authorities are also investigating other similar thefts along this corridor, where criminals have stolen various high-value goods.
Recent Incident Near Phoenix: A Closer Look
Last week’s incident involved a BNSF cargo train in Perrin, Arizona. Local authorities were alerted when the train’s air hose was severed, causing it to stop. Police discovered a suspicious Ford Econoline box truck and crates abandoned near the tracks.
Two suspects, identified as Jaime Cota Peraza and Sadiel Martinez Soto, were apprehended after being spotted near the scene. When police tracked the crates using hidden GPS devices, they witnessed individuals loading them onto the box truck. Authorities later stopped the truck in Kingman, Arizona, where two suspects, Erik Portillo Valdez and Noe Cecena Castro, attempted to flee but were captured.
Nine Suspects Found to Be in the U.S. Illegally
The investigation led to the arrest of 11 suspects, nine of whom were found to be in the U.S. illegally. Six of the detainees are confirmed natives of Sinaloa. All suspects have been charged with felony possession or receipt of stolen goods from interstate shipments. Their court dates are pending as the investigation continues.
The Broader Implications of Cartel Train Thefts
These train heists highlight the evolving tactics of criminal organizations like the Sinaloa cartel. Beyond the financial losses to companies like Nike, these crimes create significant safety risks. Cutting train brakes and tampering with rail signals endanger not only the crews operating the trains but also the communities near the tracks.
Authorities emphasize the importance of tracking stolen goods, as seen in this case where hidden GPS devices played a crucial role in recovering the stolen merchandise. Continued collaboration between federal and local law enforcement is vital to curbing these crimes.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
