**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline Confiscated**
In a major operation, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have seized approximately 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline—one of the largest fuel busts in recent history. The raid, conducted on March 27 and revealed on the following day, was prompted by a tip-off from a concerned citizen who noticed suspicious activity at a property along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway near El Sauzal.
This operation was a collaborative effort between the Army, National Guard, Navy, Federal Attorney General’s Office, and Pemex security teams. Armed with a search warrant, officials uncovered a sophisticated illegal fuel storage site containing:
– 100 storage containers, 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 with differing capacities.
– 2 office trailers.
– A cistern holding 1,050 gallons of urea.
The seizure amounted to nearly 2,098,000 gallons of fuel—sufficient to fill over 120,000 standard car fuel tanks. Authorities have placed the vehicles, containers, and gasoline under federal custody while trying to trace the fuel’s origin and identify those involved. Local sources suggest a possible link between the property and former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, although his involvement has yet to be confirmed.
Fuel theft, also known as “huachicoleo,” has been a persistent issue in Mexico, resulting in huge financial losses. This successful operation demonstrates that justice can prevail and serves as a crucial step towards tackling the problem.
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**Secondary Article: Authorities Ramp Up Efforts Against Fuel Theft in Mexico**
Following the massive fuel seizure in Ensenada, authorities across Mexico are intensifying their efforts to combat the widespread issue of fuel theft. The government has announced plans to increase surveillance and patrols in areas identified as hotspots for illegal fuel activities. Collaborations between federal agencies, local law enforcement, and Pemex, Mexico’s state oil company, are being strengthened to ensure more coordinated responses to such crimes.
Authorities are also encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities. Public awareness campaigns aim to educate communities about the economic and safety impacts of fuel theft, and a dedicated hotline has been established to facilitate anonymous tip-offs.
The recent Ensenada bust highlights the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and community participation in addressing fuel theft. As Mexico continues its crackdown on these illegal operations, the hope is that such efforts will deter criminal activity and secure the nation’s fuel supply.