144 tons of stolen copper seized at Port of L.A., officials say

weigh 806 pounds apiece. The 359 ingots were covered with a black powder-like substance which camouflaged the their true color, according to investigators.

Arizona authorities said they got a lead on the thieves as a result of a commercial vehicle traffic stop and search warrant on a residence. Officers seized copper in excess of $300,000, three truck tractors, three semi-trailers, one forklift and two handcarts.