Authorities say an organized crime ring targeting Florida farmland has been busted after deputies intercepted an attempted saw palmetto berry heist, resulting in 11 arrests and the recovery of 6,000 pounds of stolen berries.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reported that nine of the suspects are undocumented and now face ICE detainers. Investigators believe the group had been surveilling private properties across multiple counties before setting their sights on a site near SW Citrus Blvd.
Agriculture Unit detectives, already tracking the suspects, moved in during the theft attempt. According to MCSO, all 11 men resisted arrest, forcing deputies to deploy tasers multiple times before taking them into custody.
Deputies also seized journals containing lists of other potential targets, suggesting the theft ring was operating on a large scale.
Saw palmetto berries, often used in herbal supplements, can fetch high prices on the market, making them a lucrative target for theft. Authorities say the 6,000-pound haul represented a major potential loss for local farmers.
In a statement, MCSO warned:
“If you come into Martin County to steal, especially from our farmers and landowners, you’re risking your freedom. And if you are undocumented and commit these crimes, know that we will cooperate fully with federal authorities, including ICE, for your detainment.”
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