Bensalem, PA – A brazen series of tequila thefts in Bucks County has landed two Philadelphia men behind bars. Willie Floyd Upson, 44, and Barry Ali Bailey, 47, are facing charges following a targeted campaign against a local retail outlet.
The incidents began on December 10th, 2025, with the suspects utilizing a dark green Toyota Tundra – bearing New Jersey plates – to execute the theft of premium tequila. The perpetrators repeated their tactics on December 19th and December 27th, maintaining the same method of operation. Authorities believe a sophisticated operation was underway.
The turning point came on December 27th, when an observant store manager recognized Upson and Bailey. This recognition triggered a swift arrest, allowing police to recover the stolen tequila from the vehicle and seize concealment garments used to transport the goods. FOX 29 reports that Bensalem Police Forensic Analysts were instrumental in gathering video evidence, providing crucial information to investigators.
Adding another layer to the investigation, police apprehended two additional individuals connected to the suspects, though their identities remain undisclosed. All four men were remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on bail. Authorities are continuing to investigate the operation, aiming to determine the ultimate destination and distribution of the stolen tequila. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of retail theft and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting high-value goods.
Operation Tequila Trace
The investigation is ongoing, with police focusing on tracking the movement of the stolen bottles and identifying any potential buyers or distributors. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant store management and the potential risks associated with high-demand spirits.
