N.J. State Police: 'Spice Guys' Caught With $70,000 Worth Of Stolen Spices In Cliffwood

CLIFFWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- On Monday, the 19th anniversary of the day the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" hit No. 1 on the pop charts, two theft suspects who might be called the spice guys made headlines – for far less joyous reasons.

New Jersey State Police arrested Luis Rivera, 50, of Jersey City, and Samir Helou, 56, of Brooklyn, on Thursday of last week. They were allegedly in possession of $70,000 worth of stolen spices, state police said.

The state police Interstate Theft North Unit and Linden police recovered a stolen semi-trailer truck in Jersey City on Thursday, state police said. A day earlier, the Freightliner truck had been reported stolen from Linden, and its trailer had been reported stolen from Edison, state police said.

Detectives found the truck at a storage facility in Cliffwood at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, and also found Rivera and Helou there an hour later, state police said.

Both men had access to a storage unit with 75,456 units of Shan brand spices, state police said.

Helou was charged with receiving stolen property and possession of fireworks, was being held at the Monmouth County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail, state police said.

Rivera was charged with receiving stolen property, and was also held at Monmouth County Jail – in lieu of $50,000 bail, state police said.

State police said detectives have not determined why the suspects stole such a quantity of spices, but invited Facebook readers to share their "interesting theories."

On the New Jersey State Police Facebook page, a man who claimed to be the owner of the truck left a comment. But many others stuck to the lighter side and fired off spice-related puns.

"They are going do thyme and they know it's cumin they better learn to basil kick cause these guys will be the spice boys in jail and need to defend themselves," wrote Todd Hartpence.

"Anise get! 'To curry favor, favor curry.' PDQ Bach (1807-1742)?" wrote Stephen Park Richmond.