Two arrested for trying to steal 32,000 pounds of precious metal with 18 wheeler, Texas police say

Two suspects were arrested in Sealy, Texas, for a major cargo theft attempt that was thwarted by police.

Police launched an investigation after receiving a report that 32,000 pounds of precious metal, valued at approximately $272,000, had been stolen from a business located in the 5000 block of NW IH-10 Frontage Road, the Sealy Police Department (SPD) said in a July 27 news release.

Police were able stop and detain two suspects as they left the property with the load of metal.

Investigators learned that the suspects and the 18 wheeler used in the cargo theft attempt were also used in a previous cargo theft at the same business earlier in July.

After documenting the load of precious metal, it was unloaded from the vehicle and returned to the owner.

The truck and trailer were transferred into storage for further investigation.

SPD arrested a suspect identified as Rahual, 25, and Virender Phore, 36, on first-degree felony charges of Theft of Cargo Valued at $200,000 or More. The investigation is ongoing and more charges could be filed.

“The use of Automated License Plate Reader technology assisted in the successful outcome of this investigation,” SPD said.