Randomness Corner: Quebec police probing theft of $30 million in maple syrup.

Apparently there's such a thing as a International Strategic Reserve for maple syrup, and it's located in Quebec, which produces anywhere from 70-80% of the world's deliciousness. [Whatcha gonna do about that, Vermont? Huh??]

But according to the Toronto Globe and Mail, thieves have made off with potentially $30 million in maple syrup stored in gigantic barrels held at a temporary warehouse, which could have a significant effect on the fragile maple syrup market because it's very difficult to track and trace, says researcher Sylvain Charlebois.

As he told the Globe and Mail, "It's going to be problematic, one way or the other, whether it's to sell through proper channels or dealing with the black market."

Indeed--the black market of maple syrup. I assume such unsavory characters like Willy Wonka and H.R. Pufnstuf are wheeling and dealing the sticky sweetness in back alleys.




As a side note: two years ago it was reported that the most stolen products in Vancouver were cheese, meats, and razors. Now, clear across the country, enough maple syrup to float a cruise ship was given the five-finger discount.

I want Canada's greatest criminal masterminds to be my best friend.