Three Cubans were caught in the act and arrested by the police while stealing approximately 1,000 pounds of avocados on a farm in southwest Miami-Dade.
Yuniesky León Fiallo, 32, Reniel Torres Fiallo, 36, and Elio Manuel Núñez Núñez, 28, are charged with third-degree grand theft, burglary of agricultural property, and property damage, according to arrest reports.
The events occurred on Monday night in a 30-acre avocado grove in the area of Southwest 232nd Street and 202nd Avenue, local media reported.
Agents from the Miami-Dade Police Department specializing in agricultural and environmental crimes were patrolling the area when they noticed flashlight beams inside the property, which was fenced and marked with signs prohibiting unauthorized access.
The officers called for reinforcements and established a perimeter around the estate. During the search, they found the three suspects hiding in different locations and arrested them.
They also found around 1,000 pounds of avocados, valued at $1,000, which were harvested without the owner's permission and stacked on the ground, ready to be transported.
The group of Cubans also cut part of the fence to enter the property, causing property damage estimated at less than $200, according to the police report.
The detainees each posted a bail of $5,150, reported Telemundo51.
Authorities have increased surveillance in agricultural and rural areas due to the rise in thefts of agricultural products in Miami-Dade County, particularly during harvest seasons.
In October, two Cubans were arrested for stealing refrigerated trucks loaded with frozen chicken in Miami-Dade.
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