By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Major theft: A shipment containing more than 378,000 tins of ALP Drifters nicotine pouches valued in the millions was stolen.
- Investigation underway: The cargo was picked up by a carrier using what appeared to be legitimate credentials.
- Reward offered: ALP launched a $100,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the shipment or the conviction of those responsible.
A shipment of ALP Supply Co.’s limited-edition ALP Drifters nicotine pouches was stolen during transit less than 24 hours after being publicly announced, leading to a federal investigation and a $100,000 reward for information that identifies the perpetrators.
The cargo included over 378,000 tins of ALP Drifters, a new sub-line within the company’s nicotine pouch lineup. According to the company, the shipment was picked up from a Southern California logistics facility by a trucker who showed what seemed to be genuine operating credentials.
Initial tracking data showed the truck was heading toward Kentucky, but communication with the shipment was eventually lost.
ALP said investigators are reviewing evidence suggesting the use of tracking spoofing technology and potentially fraudulent carrier authority as part of the theft.
The company confirmed it has reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is now involved in the case along with other law enforcement agencies.
The theft occurs as ALP continues rapid growth in the modern oral nicotine market. The brand was co-founded less than two years ago by Tucker Carlson and has attracted attention in the nicotine pouch market with frequent product sellouts and expanding distribution.
Company leadership acknowledged the incident has disrupted the planned national rollout of the Drifters line but said replacement production is already underway.
Carlson made a statement about the incident through the company’s release. The lighthearted response has some in the industry speulate whethjer reports of the theft
“We know what it feels like to want an Alp so badly that you could hijack a truck full of it. But come on. That’s illegal,” Carlson said. “We’re going to find the people who did this and redistribute their booty. Alp for the people.”
ALP announced it has launched a nationwide manhunt offering $100,000 for credible information leading to the recovery of the stolen shipment or the conviction of those responsible.
The company is providing tips to law enforcement through a dedicated reporting channel while still preparing replacement inventory for the upcoming launch of the Drifters product line.
Reward Tip Line:
Tips@alppouch.com
