Cartels’ Trains Heists in Arizona Loot $2M Worth of Nikes

It's hard to believe we're discussing this in the modern era. In what seems like the opening scenes of a movie shot in the Old West, modern-day bandits are targeting freight trains across the Arizona desert. As of this writing, thieves have made off with over $2 million worth of Nike sneakers.

These bold train robberies bring to mind images of infamous train heists by outlaws like Jesse James and Butch Cassidy. Instead of gold and cash, these crooks are pillaging high-end footwear.

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Modern-Day Gang of Train Robbers Hitting Arizona

The thieves have been called a "modern-day gang of train robbers." Since March of last year, they've pulled off at least ten heists.

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During one event, thieves cut an air brake hose on a BNSF freight train in Arizona and made off with more than 1,900 pairs of unreleased Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4s.

Officials estimate the single haul was worth more than $440,000. Most of the shoes haven't even hit retail markets yet, making them a hot commodity on the black market.

Tracking Down Suspects Across the Arizona Desert

Reminiscent of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, the law enforcement group that tracked down and stopped the outlaw Jesse James, modern-day authorities are working to catch these thieves.

Eleven members of the Mexican transnational Sinaloa Cartel were charged in connection with the January heist; all the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. The gang members were caught using tracking devices that had been placed in some of the stolen boxes.

Federal and state law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and surveillance along the rail lines; they're working with freight companies to beef up security measures to prevent this from happening again.

READ: Arizona Voters Want Something Done About the Border NOW

Despite the efforts, the cartel gangs are still finding ways to exploit the rail system, often scouting merchandise on rail lines that parallel major Arizona highways.

The authorities hope to bring a safe end to this modern-day crime spree and ensure the safe transport of goods across Arizona.

Sources: Fox10Phoenix | ABC News | NYSun | Wikipedia