New Jersey, Philadelphia Authorities Launch 'Operation Beef Bandit' to Stop Ring of Masked Meat Thieves

"Operation Beef Bandit" has ensnared yet another band of mischievous meat lovers.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office announced today that three men were arrested for allegedly trying to steal 1,600 pounds of meat from a locked tractor-trailer in Philadelphia.

According to investigators, Douglas Mathis, 36, Jamir Scott, 25, and Tariq Duncan, 31, were caught carrying 25 cases of beef out of a trailer and into a van Tuesday morning. In total, the stolen beef was worth at least $7,000.

At the time of the incident, Mathis, Scott, and Duncan were said to be wearing masks and dark colored clothing.

This is the second round of arrests that are part of a larger investigation called "Operation Beef Bandit" -- an interstate effort that has brought together law enforcement agencies in Philadelphia and New Jersey to stop similar organized cargo thefts from happening.

According to NBC Philadelphia, four men were caught stealing meat, seafood, and alcohol from similar trucks along NJ Turnpike on Monday, September 16.

"This was tenacious investigative work that involved collaboration between law enforcement agencies to stop high-value thefts from parked tractor trailers," Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. "I commend the timely work of our Organized Crime Section who tracked this crew and, essentially, caught them in the act."

Mathis, Scott, and Duncan were all charged with theft and corrupt organizations. According to Henry's office, the men remain in custody. Bail is currently set at $200,000 for each person.