### Major Fuel Bust in Ensenada: Over 2 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline Seized
Authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have reported one of the largest fuel seizures in recent years, confiscating nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline. The operation was successfully executed on March 27, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen about dubious activities on a property along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, near the area of El Sauzal.
The massive raid was the result of a cooperative effort involving multiple divisions including the Army (known as Sedena), the National Guard, the Navy, Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and security teams from the national oil company, Pemex. Armed with a search warrant, officials discovered an extensive illegal fuel storage facility, comprising:
– 100 container boxes, each capable of storing 19,250 gallons,
– 46 tanker trailers, each transporting 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 confiscated fuel could fill over 120,000 standard car fuel tanks. All vehicles, containers, and the gasoline itself are currently under federal custody as investigations continue to uncover the source and those culpable for the crime. While local reports suggest a connection to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, his involvement has not been officially confirmed.
Fuel theft, colloquially referred to as “huachicoleo,” remains a significant problem in Mexico, causing substantial economic damage. This successful operation underscores that justice can sometimes prevail, providing a glimmer of hope for more stringent measures against fuel theft.
### Additional Context: The Continuing Struggle Against Fuel Theft in Mexico
Mexico has been grappling with the widespread issue of fuel theft for years, a criminal activity that inflicts severe losses on the economy. Known locally as “huachicoleo,” this illegal practice involves siphoning fuel directly from pipelines or stealing from storage facilities, often resulting in dangerous situations that can cause environmental harm or even deadly explosions.
Efforts to combat this problem intensified when federal authorities launched a crackdown on smuggling networks, focusing on both remediation and prevention. Improved surveillance techniques, increased patrols, and tighter regulations have been implemented, seeking to deter illegal activity by crimping the supply chain of stolen fuel.
Despite these measures, the illegal fuel market persists, driven by corrupt officials, organized crime networks, and the high profitability of black-market gasoline. The recent seizure in Ensenada serves as a significant step forward, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated efforts and perhaps signaling a turning point in the battle against fuel theft.
With heightened vigilance and sustained pressure on these illegal operations, the authorities hope to reduce the economic impact and potential dangers of fuel theft, striving for a more secure and prosperous future.