The Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) reports that five suspects were arrested today for theft of baby formula, bringing the total number of baby formula theft arrests in Simi Valley in the last four days, in three incidents, to 12.

Today at 2:32 P.M. SVPD received a report that a theft of baby formula had just occurred at the Vons Supermarket at 1855 E. Cochran Street. Four male suspects ran out of the store with numerous cans of baby formula. They were seen leaving the area in a brown SUV.

Based on a description of the suspects and their vehicle, SVPD was able to track down the vehicle and five suspects, Jamal Dixon (20), Aarion Thomas (18), Onwuatuegwu Ngwudile (21),
Randle Posten II (22) and Solomon Leslie (19) were taken into custody.

The baby formula stolen today had an approximate value of $730 and was recovered from the suspects' vehicle. In addition to the formula stolen from Vons, another $2,000 to $3,000 in formula was recovered from the car.

On July 17th at 5:58, Los Angeles residents Mya Usher (18), Morgan Pecantte (20) and Champagne Dubose (21) were seen stealing baby formula from the CVS Pharmacy at 3935 E. Cochran Street in Simi Valley. They were also caught by SVPD and a large quantity of baby formula was recovered from the car. 

In another incident, four suspects were arrested. 

All 12 suspects are residents of Los Angeles and are believed to have come to Simi Valley intent on stealing baby formula.

7/19 SVPD Release: local.nixle.com/alert/6065777

7/17 SVPD Release: local.nixle.com/alert/6062045

So this begs the question...why? Well, perhaps due to the cost they are buying and reselling the formula. Maybe, or mayby not. One savvy CVG Facebook follower did a quick search and discovered a report from the Retail Association of Nevada that baby formula thefts are a growing national problem. Large-scale organized crime rings are stealing baby formula to manufacture illegal drugs; cans of powdered baby formula are used as mixers for drugs like cocaine and heroin. Yikes.