# Cargo theft incidents in Memphis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cargo-theft-incidents-in-memphis
> Updated: 2026-09-21T20:30:03.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement in Memphis, Tennessee, has been addressing several major cargo theft incidents involving interstate shipments and rail transport.

In mid-September, authorities arrested 13 suspects after discovering them unloading approximately $250,000 worth of stolen chicken from a semi-trailer. During the operation, police recovered three handguns, fentanyl, cocaine, and roughly $110,000 in other stolen merchandise. One driver involved allegedly claimed the shipment was being traded to settle a drug debt.

Broader investigations into cargo theft in the region have led to a federal grand jury indicting three individuals for the theft of computer networking switches and consumer goods, such as televisions and tires, totaling nearly $600,000 in losses. Additionally, a man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in a 2023 theft of a tractor-trailer containing Water Pik products.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Memphis authorities address multiple major cargo theft incidents

Authorities in Memphis are tackling multiple major cargo theft cases, including a $250,000 chicken heist, federal indictments for $600,000 in freight losses, and a prison sentence for Water Pik theft.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/memphis-authorities-address-multiple-major-cargo-theft-incidents

### 2026-09-18: Memphis police arrest 13 suspects in $250,000 chicken theft

Thirteen people were arrested in Memphis after being caught unloading $250,000 worth of stolen chicken from a truck. Police also seized firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine during the operation.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/memphis-police-arrest-13-people-in-250000-chicken-heist

---
Cite as: Cargo theft incidents in Memphis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cargo-theft-incidents-in-memphis