A Cuban resident in Hialeah ended up arrested after agents linked him to the theft of 142 avocados, valued at 852 dollars, from a farm in southwest Miami-Dade.
The suspect was identified as Duniel Areces-Gonzalez, 37 years old, while his Cuban origin was reported by América TeVe.
Authorities charged him with grand theft and unauthorized entry into a property.
The case began late Sunday on the agricultural grounds of Brooks Tropical, located at 15101 SW 200th Street, according to Local 10.
A Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputy was patrolling the area as part of Operation Safe Summer 2026 when a white pickup truck parked at the end of the driveway caught his attention.
Upon reviewing the registration, the authorities determined that the vehicle belonged to Areces-Gonzalez.
In the bed of the pickup truck, there were 17 avocados, and not far away, four black construction bags filled with the same fruit appeared.
The search continued through other areas of the plantation, where the agents found two additional bags.
The total recovered amounted to 142 avocados, which was valued at approximately 852 dollars.
After the discovery, Areces-Gonzalez was taken to the offices of the Agricultural Patrol Section for questioning.
“Why do I need to talk to you? I was caught stealing avocados”, he reportedly said when an investigator asked him if he wanted to make a statement, according to the police report cited by Local 10.
However, afterwards, he chose not to answer any more questions.
WSVN 7News specified that the man was charged with third-degree grand theft and trespassing on property other than a structure or means of transportation.
The accused was subsequently transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. As of Monday afternoon, he remained in custody and had a$3,000 bail set.
Areces-Gonzalez maintains the presumption of innocence, and the accusations will need to be examined during the appropriate legal proceedings.
The case recalls another incident that occurred in November 2024, when three Cubans were arrested for stealing about 1,000 pounds of avocados from a farm in southwestern Miami-Dade.
The defendants faced charges of third-degree grand theft, illegal entry onto agricultural property, and property damage.
The authorities in Miami-Dade also recently warned that collecting mangos or other fruits from private property without permission can result in fines starting at $200 and even criminal charges for theft.
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