In the Central Valley, a large-scale group of thefts of agricultural products with the participation of a cartel was revealed

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Sheriffs in Tulare, Merced and Fresno counties announced Tuesday the crackdown on a major agricultural crime spree spanning the entire Central Valley.

They say cartels are stealing farm equipment and taking it to Mexico.

Deputies seized dozens of stolen heavy agricultural equipment related to Operation Tractor Pull.

Authorities say they’ve made six arrests so far, the latest on Tuesday morning.

Five more suspects, who were wanted for the past year, are being sought.

“This is a massive theft that has impacted our farmers, ranchers and our agricultural community,” Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreau said.

Boudreaux said some of the men have criminal histories related to drug trafficking.

He said they are now stealing heavy equipment and transporting it across the southern border for use in Mexico.

A total of 24 tractors, excavators and backhoes were seized, but detectives say eight to 10 pieces of equipment are located in Mexico and are considered non-removable.

Sheriff Vern Warnke says agricultural crime affects everyone, driving up product prices and helping criminals make a profit.

“Not only have the cartels been dealing in people, drugs and guns, now it’s hit our farming community, where everyone here likes to go to the store and get something to eat,” Warnke said.

Sheriffs say because it’s not considered a violent crime in California, prosecutors will have a hard time keeping these suspects behind bars.

“We can’t put them in prison for a long period of time that doesn’t send a message of accountability,” Boudreau said.

Boudreaux added that they are working with the Border Patrol and are calling on the federal government to work with the Mexican government to help fight criminals that affect the way of life of citizens of both countries.

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