**Major Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline Confiscated**
In a significant crackdown on fuel theft, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have seized nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline. The operation, conducted on March 27 and announced the next day, was initiated after a citizen reported suspicious activity at a property on the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, near El Sauzal.
This massive raid was a collaborative effort involving the Army, National Guard, Navy, Federal Attorney General’s Office, and Pemex security teams. Armed with a search warrant, law enforcement officials uncovered an illegal fuel storage facility. They discovered:
– 100 container boxes, each with a capacity of 19,250 gallons.
– 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.
In total, the authorities seized approximately 2,098,000 gallons of fuel—enough to fill more than 120,000 average car fuel tanks. Vehicles, containers, and gasoline were placed under federal custody as investigations continue to trace the fuel’s origin and identify those involved.
Unconfirmed reports have suggested that the property might be linked to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, but no official confirmation has been made regarding his involvement.
The illegal fuel trade, known as “huachicoleo,” has been a significant problem in Mexico, leading to substantial financial losses. This recent bust serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, and it marks a hopeful step towards resolving this pervasive issue.
**Secondary Article**
**Fuel Theft Continues to Plague Mexico Despite Government Crackdowns**
Fuel theft, or “huachicoleo,” remains a serious concern in Mexico, costing the country billions each year. Despite ongoing efforts to combat the issue, criminal networks continue to find new ways to illegally siphon fuel.
Recent operations beyond the Ensenada bust demonstrate the scale and persistence of this problem. In a separate incident, authorities intercepted a network responsible for rerouting pipelines to clandestine sites. This is part of a broader strategy where organized groups tap directly into pipelines, utilizing sophisticated methods to evade detection.
The government has ramped up security measures, including increasing the presence of military and security personnel along key pipeline routes. Yet, fuel theft persists, highlighting both the ingenuity of these criminal enterprises and the challenges faced by authorities in dismantling such networks.
Experts suggest that a combination of stricter legal frameworks, enhanced security technologies, and community engagement is essential for curbing fuel theft in Mexico. The Ensenada operation underscores both the potential for success and the ongoing battle against this economic and security threat.