In an unprecedented crackdown on fuel theft, officials have seized nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline in Ensenada, Baja California. The successful operation, initiated on March 27 and revealed a day later, began with a tip-off from a concerned citizen regarding unusual activity at a site near the Rosarito-Ensenada highway at El Sauzal.
The massive raid involved a coordinated effort by the Army (Sedena), National Guard, Navy, Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and security teams from Pemex. Armed with a search warrant, the authorities discovered an extensive illegal fuel storage operation. This operation included:
– 100 container boxes, each with a capacity of 19,250 gallons.
– 46 tanker trailers, each holding 8,200 gallons.
– 19 semi-trucks of various models.
– 12 fuel pumps of different capacities.
– 2 office trailers.
– A cistern containing 1,050 gallons of urea.
In total, the authorities confiscated about 2,098,000 gallons of fuel, sufficient to fill more than 120,000 average car fuel tanks. The vehicles, containers, and gasoline have been placed under federal custody while investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the fuel and identify those involved in the illegal activities. The property has reportedly been linked to a former senator, Gerardo Novelo Osuna, though no direct involvement has been confirmed by officials yet.
Fuel theft, known locally as “huachicoleo,” represents a significant issue in Mexico, causing economic losses amounting to billions. This operation underscores the ongoing battle against fuel theft and serves as a hopeful sign of progress toward eradicating such illegal activities.
Related News: Rising Concerns Over Fuel Theft in Mexico
Fuel theft remains a critical issue across Mexico, with “huachicoleo” operations significantly affecting the country’s economy. The recent bust in Ensenada is not an isolated incident; theft from pipelines and illegal sales continue to plague several regions. Authorities are increasing efforts to tackle these operations, employing cutting-edge technology and intelligence to apprehend those responsible.
The government is boosting its collaborative efforts with various agencies to enhance strategies in combating illegal fuel activities. There is a growing emphasis on securing pipelines, increasing patrols, and employing advanced monitoring systems.
As the authorities ramp up their fight against fuel theft, there remains a call for public cooperation. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to help protect the nation’s resources and assist law enforcement in their efforts to dismantle fuel theft rings once and for all.