### Major Fuel Bust in Ensenada: Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Illegally Obtained Gasoline Seized
In a significant crack down against fuel theft in Mexico, nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline were confiscated in Ensenada, Baja California. The operation was conducted on March 27 after authorities received a citizen’s tip-off about suspicious activities on a property along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, near El Sauzal. The bust was announced the day after the operation took place.
The coordinated raid involved multiple agencies, including the Army, National Guard, Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office, and Pemex security teams. Equipped with a search warrant, officials entered the site and found an illegal fuel storage facility consisting of:
– 100 container boxes, each with a 19,250-gallon capacity.
– 46 tanker trailers, each carrying 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.
The seized gasoline, totaling approximately 2,098,000 gallons, is enough to fill over 120,000 average car fuel tanks. Authorities have placed the vehicles, containers, and fuel under federal custody as investigations continue to uncover its origin and determine those responsible. While local reports have suggested ties to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, official confirmation of his involvement has not yet been made.
Fuel theft, commonly known as “huachicoleo,” remains a vast issue in Mexico, leading to significant financial losses for the country. This operation serves as a pivotal step towards combating this pervasive problem and enforcing justice.
### In Related News: Bringing Down Fuel Theft Rings
In a corresponding effort to tackle fuel theft, Mexican authorities have been intensifying their crackdown on illegal fuel activities throughout the country. Recent operations have led to the dismantling of several organized fuel theft rings, particularly in regions most affected by this crime. This includes increased surveillance on pipelines, stricter penalties for offenders, and collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local authorities. The government has also initiated campaigns to educate the public on the impacts of fuel theft and encourage reporting suspicious activities. These continued measures aim to deter future thefts and promote fuel security nationwide.