The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has been conducting a months-long operation in North Florida to combat vehicle theft and other criminal activities.
The ongoing operation has led to the identification of 33 stolen semi-trailers and a vehicle, resulting in multiple arrests and the confiscation of the stolen property — valued at more than $1.3 million.
“The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement is committed to upholding the law and safeguarding Florida’s communities and businesses from criminal activity,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “This ongoing operation highlights the important work of our dedicated officers, and I thank them for their tireless efforts to detect, investigate, and ultimately deter criminal activity in communities across the state.”
Officers have also made multiple arrests for traffic violations, open warrants, possession of illegal narcotics, and possession of fraudulent credit cards during the operation. The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement will continue its investigation and the identification process of the stolen semi-trailers and vehicles so they can be returned to the rightful owners.
The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement conducts criminal investigations relating to any matter over which the department has jurisdiction, protects consumers from unfair and deceptive trade practices, protects Florida’s agriculture industry from theft and other crimes, and safeguards the integrity of Florida’s food and other consumer products. In support of its mission, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement operates more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations around the state. Officers conduct vehicle inspections 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Florida’s food supply and prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases.
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