Suspects arrested in baby formula theft ring. That was the headline for an article in today's Orlando Sentinel.
I understand black markets for avoiding high taxes (cigarettes and booze), for copyright infringement (pirated DVDs), for illegal items (cocaine), and in situations where price-fixing rules distort the market. But baby formula? Who could possibly sell baby formula for a price that would make it worthwhile risking jail and/or deportation? Who would buy black market baby formula when it's plentiful in every grocery store? What am I missing here?A total of 21 men and women in Orange, Osceola and Polk counties face charges of stealing hundreds of cans of baby formula from local shops....[T]he men and women facing charges are undocumented immigrants from Honduras and Mexico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have been alerted and immigration holds have been placed on the suspects....Investigators said the suspects walked into local supermarkets, grabbed cans of baby food, stuffed them into large plastic bags and left the store without paying for the merchandise. Nearly 2,000 stolen cans of baby formula were then stashed in a storage unit....Reports show the suspects would ship the baby formula out-of-state for sale on the black market.
I think the ones who buy the black market baby formula are likely dishonest retailers rather than individuals. Interesting info in the articles below.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0629/p01s01-usju.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8088953/
