Rock legend Sammy Hagar and celebrity chef Guy Fieri, co-owners of the Santo Spirits tequila brand, recently experienced a major setback. A sophisticated heist resulted in the theft of $1 million worth of their tequila as it was being transported from Mexico to Texas.

Hagar, speaking at a Metallica charity event in Los Angeles, described the incident as a well-orchestrated operation. He revealed that the truck drivers involved were unknowingly part of the scheme, equipped with burner phones and manipulated GPS devices, and directed to drop off the stolen goods at undisclosed locations. While one truck has been recovered, the other remains missing, its contents likely already distributed.

The stolen shipment included 24,240 bottles of Santo Blanco and Reposado tequilas, along with a rare Extra Añejo, aged for 39 months. This loss significantly impacts Santo Spirits, particularly during the crucial holiday sales season. Not only is the company out the stolen product, but they also face the costs of reproducing it.

Although the financial blow is significant, Hagar emphasized that both he and Fieri have other income streams, so the theft didn't jeopardize their livelihoods. However, it's a considerable setback for the relatively small Santo brand. Fieri, in a previous interview, expressed concern about the impact on the brand's momentum and the limited availability of product for the holiday season.

Santo Spirits president Dan Butkus highlighted the broader consequences of the theft, expressing worry about the impact on the distillery in Mexico, its employees, and the Santo Spirits team in the US, all of whom rely on the company's sales. The distillery is working overtime to replace the stolen tequila, but it's unlikely they'll fully recover in time for the holidays, their peak sales period.

Hagar stressed that Santo Spirits will be much more vigilant about their shipping practices in the future. He expressed surprise that the theft occurred after the trucks had crossed the border, highlighting the need for increased security measures throughout the entire transportation process.

Despite the setback, Hagar remains proud of Santo's high-quality tequila and its meticulous production process. He also expressed his support for Metallica and their charitable efforts, highlighting his commitment to feeding people, education, and children's causes.