**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate Close to 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline**
In a major crackdown, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have seized nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline – one of the largest fuel busts in recent memory. The operation, which took place on March 27, was the result of a tip-off from a concerned citizen who reported suspicious activity at a property on the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, close to El Sauzal.
The raid was a collaborative effort involving the Army (Sedena), the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and Pemex security teams. Acting on a search warrant, officials penetrated the premises and discovered an extensive illegal fuel storage operation, which included:
– 100 large container boxes, 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 varying capacities.
– 2 office trailers.
– A cistern containing 1,050 gallons of urea.
The total amount of fuel confiscated reached an estimated 2,098,000 gallons – enough to fill over 120,000 average car fuel tanks. The seized vehicles, containers, and gasoline are now in federal custody while investigations continue to trace the fuel’s origin and identify those responsible.
Local media has linked the property to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, though no direct involvement has been confirmed by officials.
Fuel theft, widely known as “huachicoleo,” remains a critical issue in Mexico, causing significant economic loss. This significant confiscation offers a glimmer of hope for justice and serves as a step toward rectifying the rampant theft problem.
**Related News: Fuel Theft Continues to Plague Mexico**
Fuel theft has been a persistent challenge across Mexico, costing the country billions annually. As authorities intensify efforts to combat this issue, recent operations highlight the scale and complexity of the problem. In February, a separate raid in Puebla uncovered an operation with a similarly substantial volume of illegal fuel. These ongoing investigations and busts are crucial in curbing the widespread challenge of fuel theft and its economic impact.
These developments underscore the importance of citizen cooperation and sharp law enforcement actions in tackling organized crime. As Mexico grapples with “huachicoleo,” the successful execution of such raids reinforces the commitment to securing resources and restoring public confidence.