Major drug bust in Miami.Photo byVideo captured image

Miami Police Bust Organized Theft Ring, Seize Nearly $1 Million in Stolen Goods

MIAMI, Fla. – Miami Police conducted a major operation on Wednesday, uncovering a large-scale retail theft ring in a northwest Miami-Dade neighborhood. The raid, conducted at a duplex on the corner of Northwest 24th Avenue and Northwest 15th Street, resulted in the seizure of nearly $1 million in suspected stolen goods, as well as drugs, firearms, and cash. Leonardo Ruiz, a 59-year-old man, was arrested in connection with the theft ring, according to NBC 6 South Florida.

Key Details of the Operation:

• Location of Raid: A duplex in northwest Miami-Dade.
• Items Seized: Power tools, impact windows, large quantities of liquor and alcohol, frozen foods, and over-the-counter medication.
• Nature of Operation: Described as a store-like setup with different rooms for various stolen goods.
• Arrest: Leonardo Ruiz, 59, was taken into custody.
• Charges: Ruiz faces multiple charges related to the theft ring.
• Impact of Crime: Chief Manny Morales highlighted the broader impact of such crimes on the community, noting the role they play in driving up retail prices.

The Miami Police Department conducted a successful operation on Wednesday, uncovering an organized theft ring that had been operating in a northwest Miami-Dade neighborhood. The raid took place at a duplex located on the corner of Northwest 24th Avenue and Northwest 15th Street. As a result, the police confiscated nearly $1 million worth of suspected stolen goods, including power tools, impact windows, large quantities of liquor and alcohol, frozen foods, and over-the-counter medication. The operation also led to the discovery of drugs, firearms, and a significant amount of cash. The arrest of Leonardo Ruiz, a 59-year-old man, was made in connection with the theft ring.

The raid was the culmination of a targeted investigation that began with a narcotics-related warrant. The Miami Police Department had received information about the theft ring’s activities, which involved exchanging stolen retail property for narcotics. The investigation led authorities to the duplex in the northwest Miami-Dade neighborhood. Upon entering the premises, the police were astounded by the organized setup resembling a store. The different rooms in the duplex were dedicated to specific categories of stolen goods, such as power tools, alcohol, and over-the-counter medication. The shelves were neatly arranged, giving the impression of a legitimate retail establishment.

Miami Police Chief Manny Morales expressed his concern about the impact of such crimes on the community. He emphasized that these organized theft rings contribute to higher retail prices, affecting everyone. Morales described the scene as a real-life Grinch, highlighting the audacity and scale of the operation. The arrest of Leonardo Ruiz was a significant step in dismantling the theft ring and sending a strong message to other criminals involved in similar activities.