Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar’s trucks carrying $1 million of tequila hijacked in a double heist after crossing the border have turned a vibrant venture into an unsettling narrative.
In a shocking twist, two freight trucks, laden with 24,240 bottles of Santo Blanco and Reposado, along with a unique Extra Añejo aged for an extraordinary 39 months, were stolen. This incident, which unfolded shortly after the trucks crossed from Mexico into Texas, showcases the vulnerabilities even popular brands face in a competitive market.
According to a representative for Hagar, it appears this incident was not merely an opportunistic crime but rather an indication of organized efforts. “It seems like an organized crime situation, where our trucks were illegally double brokered to others who transferred the tequila onto their own vehicles,” the representative shared.
“Anyone familiar with the beverage industry understands the gravity of this setback,” remarked Hagar, the “I Can’t Drive 55” rocker. While expressing his optimism, he emphasized the good fortune that no one was harmed in this ordeal. “Guy and I are in this together; we’ll adapt and overcome.”
On November 14, the duo learned of the heist in an interview with People Magazine. “We’ve poured our hearts into this business,” Fieri said. “This year is shaping up to be our best yet for Santo. We had such incredible momentum; now, only what’s on the shelves remains.”
Despite the alarming situation, Fieri remains resolute. He revealed that the team at their distillery in Mexico is on a continuous schedule to replace the stolen tequila. However, he expressed doubts that they would be able to restock in time for the holiday season, a period that typically sees significant sales for Santos Spirits. “It’s disheartening; it feels like someone is trying to sabotage the growth we’ve worked hard to achieve,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the audacity of the thieves, Fieri laughed incredulously, “Two trucks? It’s almost cinematic. To pull off a heist like that, it takes a level of risk. One truck is already a handful, but two brings the chaos to a new level.”
Dan Butkus, president of Santo Spirits, shared his concerns about the impact on their distillery and its workers. “Our independent distiller relies on our sales for sustenance, just as my team does,” Butkus noted. “It’s troubling to think how these thefts affect not just our profits but the livelihoods of those who pour their souls into our tequila.”
Authorities from the Laredo Police Department, Los Angeles’ Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team, and the federal cargo theft prevention network CargoNet are investigating the crime. Fieri, determined to recover the lost assets, has publicly offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the missing trucks.
Fieri expressed a particular yearning to reclaim the Extra Añejo. “It’s our crown jewel, something we’ve painstakingly crafted for years. Recreating it is simply impossible,” he stated, his voice tinged with the weight of nostalgia. “This whole experience feels surreal, like a plot twist in a movie that I never saw coming.”
