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Officials: California succulents stolen, smuggled to Asia Posted Apr 23, 2018 at 12:31 PM Updated Apr 23, 2018 at 12:31 PM SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — State wildlife officials say they uncovered an international plant heist involving thieves from Korea and China slipping into Northern California's wild landscapes to pluck succulents they then sell in a thriving black market in Asia. The Mercury News in San Jose, California, reports the stolen succulents called Dudleya farinosa fetch up to $50 per plant in Asia, where a growing middle class is fueling demand. Investigators say organized smuggling rings based in Asia are behind the thefts. Since an investigation started in December, state officials have nabbed suspects from China and Korea in three separate thefts along the Humboldt and Mendocino coast. Admired for their tenacity, the plants burst into beauty when they bloom, erecting a tall stem and a candelabra-like cluster of yellow flowers. Most Popular Makerspace coming to Central Point Apr 18 at 11:27 AM Police: Cat killed during fight between couple Apr 19 at 6:36 PM Medford gun supporters prepare for ballot showdown Apr 21 at 5:04 PM A long view of home Apr 19 at 6:56 PM Ashland magician Harry Anderson went on to TV success Apr 18 at 5:42 PM Letters to the Editor, April 21 Apr 23 at 7:31 AM Woman charged in $7,000 Victoria's Secret underwear theft Apr 20 at 4:58 PM Medford School District proposes 33 new positions Apr 19 at 7:18 AM Man sentenced for raping, assaulting wife Apr 20 at 7:14 AM Roller Derby benefits kids battling cancer Apr 20 at 5:32 PM Since You Asked: Abandoned house has been an eyesore for years Apr 18 at 2:01 AM Data breach or 'bogeyman'? Apr 23 at 7:32 AM © Copyright 2006-2018 Rosebud Media LLC. All rights reserved. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com ~ P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501