(February 6, 2003, updated Feb. 7) -- A cargo container was stolen from a Hanjin terminal at the Port of Long Beach on January 30...and LBPD was notified of the theft today when the container never showed up at its correct destination.

In a written release, LBPD says its initial investigation indicates a truck driver arrived at a Hanjin terminal on January 30, 2003 with what appeared to be the proper paperwork for picking up a cargo container. He was given the container and left the terminal...but the container hasn't reached its proper destination.

Police believe that inside the container were 420 Sony computers worth over $200,000...but LBPD Public Information Officer Greg Schirmer told LBReport.com the container apparently had not been opened for inspection on arrival. It was loaded on the truck and has now disappeared.

With the use of containerized cargo already a homeland security concern, the circumstances under which this container disappeared have raised eyebrows locally.

[Updated text] In response to a follow-up query on Feb. 7 by LBReport.com, LBPD officer Greg Schirmer indicated several different task forces will be assisting in the matter. These include a Los Angeles County multi-jurisdictional task force, the California Highway Patrol...and the FBI. These entities will be providing assistance with LBPD the point of contact in the investigation. [end update]

For the moment LBPD is treating these events as a theft. Officer Schirmer notes that cargo containers have been stolen before.

The missing container is of an unknown color and has the serial number TRLU4340011 on it.