**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline Confiscated**
In a major crackdown against fuel theft, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California have confiscated an astounding nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline. The extensive operation was initiated on March 27, following a tip-off about suspicious activities at a site along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, close to El Sauzal. The action was publicly announced the following day.
This impressive raid was executed with precision and involved a collaboration between several agencies, including the Army (Sedena), the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and Pemex security teams. Armed with a search warrant, they unearthed an illegal fuel storage facility with the following assets:
– 100 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 of varying capacities
– 2 office trailers
– A cistern containing 1,050 gallons of urea
A total of approximately 2,098,000 gallons of fuel was seized, highlighting the scale of the operation, which could fill over 120,000 standard vehicle fuel tanks. All vehicles, containers, and the gasoline itself were taken into federal custody as investigations press on to trace its origins and identify those involved in this illicit activity.
Reports have implicated the property as being linked to a former senator, Gerardo Novelo Osuna, though official corroboration of his involvement is still pending. Fuel theft, commonly known as “huachicoleo,” has long plagued Mexico, resulting in substantial financial losses. This successful operation is a commendable stride towards eradicating such illegal enterprises.
**Related News: Increasing Efforts Against Fuel Theft in Mexico**
Fuel theft continues to be a significant challenge in Mexico. With billions in losses annually, tackling “huachicoleo” remains high on the agenda for law enforcement and government authorities. Recent operations have heightened efforts against this pervasive crime, introducing stricter regulations and enhancing resource allocation for surveillance and investigative operations.
Recently, the Mexican government announced plans to increase joint operations among federal and state entities to confront organized crime networks driving fuel theft. The initiative is also set to bolster technological infrastructure in pipeline surveillance and monitoring to pre-emptively detect and thwart such activities.
While significant strides have been made with the recent operations, authorities acknowledge that ongoing vigilance and enhanced intelligence are crucial in maintaining momentum against this theft, which undermines economic stability and public service delivery in Mexico.
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