## Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline
In a remarkable crackdown on fuel theft, authorities have seized nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline in Ensenada, Baja California. This major operation, conducted on March 27 and announced the following day, was spurred by a tip-off regarding suspicious activities at a site located along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway near El Sauzal.
This coordinated raid involved the Army (Sedena), the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and security teams from Pemex. The teams executed a search warrant and discovered an unlawful fuel storage facility comprising:
– 100 container boxes, each with a 19,250-gallon capacity.
– 46 tanker trailers, each carrying 8,200 gallons.
– 19 semi-trucks of varying models.
– 12 fuel pumps of different capacities.
– 2 office trailers.
– A cistern containing 1,050 gallons of urea.
The total amount of fuel seized is about 2,098,000 gallons, which could fill more than 120,000 average car fuel tanks. All vehicles, containers, and gasoline are now under federal custody, as the investigation continues to ascertain the fuel’s origin and identify those involved.
Local sources have associated the property with former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, though authorities have yet to confirm any direct connection. Fuel theft, known locally as “huachicoleo,” remains a significant issue in Mexico, leading to huge financial losses. This massive seizure serves as a hopeful indication that justice and regulation are slowly but surely taking back control.
—
### Secondary Article: Rising Incidents of Fuel Theft in Mexico Spark Concerns
Mexico has long struggled with the issue of fuel theft, costing billions of dollars annually in lost revenue. Known as “huachicoleo,” this illegal practice involves siphoning fuel from pipelines or storage facilities and selling it on the black market. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the sophistication and scale of these theft operations.
Authorities have been ramping up efforts to curb this illicit trade, utilizing a combination of military and law enforcement operations. Nevertheless, the problem persists, driven by high demand and large profit margins for those involved in the criminal networks.
In response to this pervasive issue, the Mexican government has put strategies in place aimed at reinforcing security around pipelines and working with local communities to report suspicious activities. The recent massive fuel seizure in Ensenada is a step in the right direction, but it highlights the scale of the challenge still facing authorities.
Continued vigilance and coordinated efforts remain crucial to effectively tackling fuel theft and protecting Mexico’s energy resources from criminal exploitation.