$400,000 Shipment of Lobster Stolen While En Route to Costco Stores

$400,000 Shipment of Lobster Stolen While En Route to Costco Stores

A high-value shipment of lobster worth an estimated $400,000 has been stolen while in transit to Costco stores, according to the president of the freight company responsible for transporting the load.

The theft involved a full commercial shipment and occurred while the cargo was being moved through the supply chain, raising fresh concerns about cargo theft targeting food and luxury goods. Details surrounding the exact location and method of the theft have not yet been publicly disclosed, as investigations remain ongoing.

Freight Company Confirms Theft

The president of the freight company confirmed the loss, stating that the shipment was destined for Costco locations when it was intercepted or diverted. The value of the stolen seafood reflects both the premium nature of lobster and the scale of the shipment, making it one of the more significant cargo thefts reported in recent months.

Authorities have been notified, and the incident is now under investigation. It remains unclear whether the theft involved a hijacking, fraudulent pickup, or other forms of organised cargo crime.

Growing Concern Over Cargo Theft

The theft highlights a broader trend affecting logistics and retail sectors, where perishable and high value food items have increasingly become targets. Industry experts have warned that organised groups are exploiting vulnerabilities in transportation networks, particularly during transit stages where oversight may be reduced.

Lobster, considered a luxury food product, can be quickly resold through illicit markets, restaurants, or overseas channels, making such shipments attractive to criminal networks.

Impact on Supply Chain and Retail

While Costco has not yet issued a public statement on the incident, thefts of this scale can disrupt supply chains, increase insurance costs, and ultimately affect pricing and availability for consumers. Freight companies and retailers alike have been under pressure to strengthen tracking systems, verification procedures, and security measures for high value loads.

Investigation Ongoing

Law enforcement agencies are continuing inquiries to determine how the shipment was stolen and whether the goods can be recovered. No arrests have been announced at this stage.

Aaron Joyce

Newswire, L.T.T Media

Newsdesk

28 December 2025