Spanish police have found no less than 74 tons of stolen olives in Pilas, about 30 kilometers from Seville. Due to the drought, olives have become very expensive. That makes them very popular with criminal gangs, who sell them to grocery stores.
JV
Latest update:
21:45
The Civil Guard has arrested 12 people and questioned 11 others for their alleged involvement in the theft and resale of olives in Seville. Surveillance footage shows several thieves sneaking through a warehouse. They are not after money or jewelry, but olives.
In total, more than 74 tons of olives were seized. “Some are taking advantage of the situation to make a fortune this time of year,” police said. “There are people who even sleep in the fields to protect their crops. It’s a shame that someone just steals them after it’s taken you a whole year to grow them.”
Police believe the olives were stolen during the harvest season in the Seville region by a gang linked to the owner of the warehouse where they were found. Most of the olives were hidden in 374 barrels, but some were still in bags in a car. According to police, the olives were ready to be resold.
Spain is the world’s largest producer of olives and olive oil.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.