Three men in California have tried to make away with nearly $400,000 worth of avocados in what is perhaps the best scandal thus far involving the coveted fruit.

Ventura County detectives began investigating the group after an anonymous tip-off was made regarding the unauthorised cash sales of avocados in May. The men, all aged between 28 and 38, have subsequently been charged with grand theft of fruit and are currently being held in jail on bail for $336,000 each.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that the ripening facility had recently stopped selling avocados to the public, which led the men to sell the fruit illegally to innocent customers.

“We take these kinds of thefts seriously,” Sheriff’s Sergeant John Franchi told the Los Angeles Times.

“It’s a big product here and in California. They are in demand. Everybody loves avocados. They were looking to make money.”

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