A Cuban man working as a delivery driver for an Amazon contractor was apprehended last Friday, accused of stealing approximately $45,000 worth of packages and discarding the empty boxes in a Miami-Dade store's parking lot. On Monday, police announced the arrest of 32-year-old Adrián Barrera, who was caught red-handed disposing of numerous cardboard packages in the parking lot of a Lowe’s located at 9191 Southwest 137th Avenue in Miami-Dade County.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after a store employee reported seeing Barrera throwing boxes from a white box truck, according to news reports. The arrest report states that Barrera removed items from the packages and stored them in the vehicle before discarding the packaging.
Authorities also discovered about one gram of crystal methamphetamine inside a jar located in the front door of the truck. Barrera faces multiple serious charges, including grand theft of cargo, violation of Florida's littering laws, and possession of a controlled substance, as reflected in court records accessed by the press.
Under Florida law, the theft of interstate or intrastate cargo valued at less than $50,000 is classified as a second-degree felony, which can result in substantial fines and prison sentences. Barrera informed investigators that he worked for an external contractor delivering for Amazon and had collected 13 pallets of company products from a distribution center the previous day, valued at roughly $45,000.
The pallets contained Amazon-labeled packages intended for customers in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Instead of making the deliveries, Barrera removed the merchandise and discarded the packaging outside Lowe’s, where he was discovered and subsequently detained.
Barrera was taken to the county jail. During his court appearance on Sunday, the judge set his bail at $10,000 for the three charges against him.
Legal Implications and Arrest Details in Miami-Dade Package Theft
What were the charges against Adrián Barrera?
Adrián Barrera faced charges including grand theft of cargo, violating Florida's littering laws, and possession of a controlled substance.
How much was the stolen merchandise valued at?
The stolen merchandise was valued at approximately $45,000.
Where was Barrera caught discarding the packages?
Barrera was caught discarding the packages in the parking lot of a Lowe’s in Miami-Dade County.