**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline**
In one of the most significant fuel busts to date, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have seized almost 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline. The operation was initiated on March 27, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen about suspicious activities on a property located along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway near El Sauzal. News of the seizure was released the next day.
The coordinated raid involved multiple agencies, including the Army, the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office, and Pemex security personnel. Armed with a search warrant, officials uncovered a sophisticated illegal fuel storage operation comprising:
– 100 container boxes, each capable of holding 19,250 gallons
– 46 tanker trailers, each carrying 8,200 gallons
– 19 semi-trucks of various models
– 12 fuel pumps of differing capacities
– 2 office trailers
– A cistern with 1,050 gallons of urea
The haul totals 2,098,000 gallons of fuel, an amount that could fill over 120,000 typical car fuel tanks. All vehicles, containers, and fuel have been placed under federal custody, with investigations ongoing to trace the origins of the stolen fuel and identify responsible parties.
Local media sources have suggested a connection to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, but officials have not yet confirmed his involvement.
Fuel theft, known locally as “huachicoleo,” remains a significant issue in Mexico, accounting for substantial financial losses. This recent bust is a testament to the efforts being made to address the problem and restore order.
**Secondary Article: Nationwide Efforts to Combat Fuel Theft Continue Amid Recent Busts**
While the Ensenada bust is significant, it is part of a broader initiative across Mexico to combat fuel theft, a crime that drains billions from the nation’s economy each year. Recent efforts have seen increased patrolling of pipelines and fuel depots, as well as advances in surveillance technology being deployed to monitor susceptible areas.
The crackdown comes in response to the rising trend of “huachicoleo,” which has not only economic repercussions but also poses serious environmental risks due to potential fuel spills and fires. Authorities are keen to dismantle the organized networks behind these operations and are implementing stricter penalties for those found guilty.
Officials believe that by addressing the root causes of fuel theft and closing legal loopholes, they can turn the tide against this illicit industry. Continuous community involvement, much like the tip-off that led to the Ensenada operation, is also key in these efforts.
[Source: Additional general news reports on anti-fuel theft operations in Mexico].