**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline**
In a major crackdown on fuel theft, authorities in Ensenada, Baja California, have seized close to 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline. The operation, executed on March 27 and revealed the next day, began after a tip-off about suspicious activities at a property along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway near El Sauzal.
This successful raid was a collaborative effort involving the Army, the National Guard, the Navy, the Federal Attorney General’s Office, and Pemex security teams. With a search warrant in hand, officials raided the site, uncovering an elaborate illegal fuel storage system that included numerous components:
– 100 container boxes, each capable of holding 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 filled with 1,050 gallons of urea.
The total fuel confiscated is estimated at 2,098,000 gallons, sufficient to fuel over 120,000 typical cars. The seized vehicles, containers, and gasoline are currently under federal protection while investigations probe the fuel’s origins and seek to identify those accountable.
Local sources have suggested ties between the property and former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna, although no official confirmation has been made regarding his involvement.
Fuel theft, commonly known as “huachicoleo,” has been a significant problem in Mexico, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. This operation underscores the determination of the authorities to tackle organized crime and fuel theft networks—an important step towards eradicating this pervasive issue.
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**Secondary Article: Increasing Efforts to Curb Fuel Theft in Mexico**
The massive fuel seizure in Ensenada is part of a broader campaign by Mexican authorities to combat fuel theft across the nation. Fuel theft has plagued the country for years, becoming a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise. Authorities have been ramping up efforts to dismantle these operations, which often involve complex and dangerous networks.
In recent months, federal and state law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance and raids, often acting on intelligence from local communities. Collaboration with Pemex, the national oil company, has been crucial in these operations, as they provide technical expertise in identifying and securing fuel pipelines and storage facilities.
According to recent reports, these actions are beginning to yield results. Several high-profile arrests have been made, and a significant amount of stolen fuel has been recovered in different regions. The government is also considering technological advancements, such as drone surveillance and enhanced pipeline monitoring systems, to prevent future thefts.
Despite these advances, challenges remain, including corruption and the vastness of Mexico’s pipeline network, which spans remote and rural areas. Nonetheless, the Ensenada bust is a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration and persistent efforts to confront organized crime. As these initiatives continue, there is hope that the rampant issue of fuel theft will significantly diminish, fostering a more stable economic environment in the region.