**Major Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Capture Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Illicit Gasoline**
In a significant operation, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, seized nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline, marking one of the largest fuel busts in recent history. The operation, conducted on March 27 and disclosed the following day, was triggered by a citizen tip-off indicating suspicious activities at a location off the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, near El Sauzal.
This comprehensive raid brought together several agencies, including the Army (Sedena), the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and Pemex security teams. Armed with a search warrant, officials discovered a large-scale illegal fuel storage operation featuring:
– 100 container boxes, each capable of storing 19,250 gallons
– 46 tanker trailers, each carrying 8,200 gallons
– 19 semi-trucks of various models
– 12 fuel pumps with different capacities
– 2 office trailers
– A cistern containing 1,050 gallons of urea
The total intercepted fuel equates to more than 120,000 average car fuel tanks. All vehicles, containers, and gasoline have been placed under federal custody as investigations continue to uncover the source of the fuel and the individuals responsible for this operation.
Local reports have tentatively linked the property to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, although no official charges have been confirmed against him.
Fuel theft, or “huachicoleo,” remains a pervasive issue across Mexico, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. This recent operation serves as a testament to the persistent efforts in tackling this problem. Authorities hope it signifies a move forward in the broader cleanup effort.
**Related Updates:**
**Ongoing Battle Against Fuel Theft in Mexico**
Fuel theft continues to plague Mexico, with new incidents reported frequently across the country. Recently, in March 2025, a coordinated effort by federal and local police in another region led to the arrest of several individuals running a separate fuel theft operation. The suspects were charged with possession and distribution of stolen fuel, highlighting the widespread and organized nature of “huachicoleo.”
Authorities emphasize that while the recent large-scale bust in Ensenada is a victory, ongoing vigilance is crucial to combating the problem extensively. With enhanced surveillance and community cooperation, officials remain optimistic about curtailing future incidents of fuel theft.