COSTA MESA, California ( MyCaliforniaNews ) — An undercover operation by the Costa Mesa Police Department led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man and the recovery of approximately $150,000 in stolen goods. The operation was part of an effort to combat organized retail theft, according to a press release from the department.The investigation began with an undercover purchase from an online marketplace, where detectives identified the seller as Wendell Rios, 35, of Costa Mesa. Rios sold stolen products and fragrances to an officer, and further investigation revealed his vehicle contained about $54,000 in stolen property from large retail establishments, along with counterfeit headphones. A search warrant executed at Rios’ residence uncovered over $100,000 in additional stolen high-end products and fragrances, as well as over $23,000 in cash. More stolen goods were found in a storage unit in a neighboring city, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.Chief Ron Lawrence highlighted the importance of the Organized Retail Theft grant in facilitating the operation. “This investigation and arrest is a great example of the Costa Mesa Police Department making effective use of grant funding received from the state to combat organized retail theft,” he said. The department also acknowledged the assistance of the Senior Manager of Organized Retail Crime at Macy’s in the investigation and arrest. With the implementation of Prop 36, repeat offenders of retail theft will face more significant consequences, stated the source.