**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline**
In a significant crackdown, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have confiscated close to 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline. The operation, which took place on March 27 and was publicized a day later, resulted from a citizen’s alert regarding unusual activities at a location along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway near El Sauzal.
The seizure was a joint effort with participation from the Army (Sedena), the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and Pemex security forces. Equipped with a search warrant, officials raided the site, uncovering a sophisticated illegal fuel storage operation that included:
– 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 with different capacities.
– 2 office trailers.
– A cistern containing 1,050 gallons of urea.
The confiscated fuel totals an estimated 2,098,000 gallons—sufficient to fill over 120,000 typical car fuel tanks. The authorities have taken the vehicles, containers, and gasoline into federal custody as they further investigate the origins and culprits behind this operation.
There are local speculations linking the property to former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, though his direct involvement remains unconfirmed by authorities.
Fuel theft, known locally as “huachicoleo,” continues to be a significant issue in Mexico, leading to substantial financial losses. This recent bust represents a victory for law enforcement and a potential stride toward addressing the broader problem.
**Related Development: Increased Collaboration to Combat Fuel Theft**
In recent years, Mexico has seen an increase in collaborative efforts to curb fuel theft, often involving joint operations between federal authorities and private enterprises. The ownership of gas stations has been called forward to cooperate with the Mexican government to detect irregularities in fuel supply chains. These partnerships aim to increase accountability and transparency in the fuel industry.
Such measures have started to yield results across various regions. In February 2025, a network of thieves siphoning fuel from pipelines in Veracruz was dismantled, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen gasoline.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public cooperation in combating fuel theft, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. This collective vigilance, they assert, is essential to reducing the illegal trade and its impact on the national economy.
For more updates on this developing story and other related news, stay tuned to TJGringo.com, your reliable source for news in Baja California and beyond.