North Las Vegas Man Accused of Stealing Rare Cactus Worth $500,000

Rare Cactus Theft Alleged in North Las VegasRare Cactus Theft Alleged in North Las Vegas A North Las Vegas man has been charged with stealing a rare and endangered cactus valued at approximately half a million dollars. According to authorities, 32-year-old John Smith was arrested on Tuesday after investigators linked him to the theft of a Pachycereus pringlei cactus from the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden. The cactus, commonly known as the Cardón Grande, is native to Baja California and is considered critically endangered. The theft was discovered on Monday morning when garden staff noticed that a large specimen of the cactus was missing. Surveillance footage revealed Smith allegedly cutting down the plant and loading it into a pickup truck. Investigators tracked Smith down to his residence, where they recovered the cactus and arrested him. Police believe the theft was motivated by the cactus’s rarity and potential value on the black market. Pachycereus pringlei cacti are slow-growing and can take decades to reach maturity. They are highly prized by collectors and gardeners for their unique appearance and ability to thrive in arid conditions. The recovered cactus is currently in the custody of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Experts will examine the plant to determine if it has sustained any damage. If convicted, Smith faces felony charges for grand larceny and destruction of protected species. The value of the cactus alone could result in a substantial prison sentence. The theft highlights the growing problem of illegal poaching of rare and endangered plants. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity involving protected species. Conservation organizations have also called for increased penalties to deter such crimes.