**Massive Fuel Seizure in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate Nearly 2.1 Million Gallons of Stolen Gasoline**
In a major crackdown on fuel theft, nearly 2.1 million gallons of stolen gasoline have been seized in Ensenada, Baja California. Acting on a citizen’s tip regarding unusual activities at a property along the Rosarito-Ensenada highway, near El Sauzal, law enforcement agencies conducted a significant raid on March 27. The operation was executed with the collaboration of the Army, National Guard, Navy, Federal Attorney General’s Office, and Pemex security teams.
Authorities equipped with a search warrant uncovered an illicit fuel storage facility containing:
– 100 container boxes, each with a 19,250-gallon capacity.
– 46 tanker trailers, each capable of holding 8,200 gallons.
– 19 semi-trucks of various makes.
– 12 diverse capacity fuel pumps.
– 2 office trailers.
– A cistern holding 1,050 gallons of urea.
The seized fuel, totalling approximately 2,098,000 gallons, could fill over 120,000 average car fuel tanks. All vehicles, containers, and gasoline have been placed under federal custody as investigations continue to uncover the fuel’s origins and identify those accountable.
Local sources have implicated former senator Gerardo Novelo Osuna in connection with the property, but his involvement remains unverified officially. The issue of fuel theft, locally known as “huachicoleo,” has long been a source of substantial financial loss in Mexico. This successful operation is seen as an encouraging step towards rectification and justice.
**Secondary Article:**
**Fuel Theft Crisis Persists in Mexico Despite Major Busts**
Despite the large seizure in Ensenada, Mexico continues to grapple with significant challenges related to fuel theft. This illegal activity, notoriously known as “huachicoleo,” has resulted in billions in lost revenue for the country over the years. The lucrative black market for fuel has often been controlled by organized crime, making enforcement efforts challenging.
Recent reports indicate that fuel theft remains rampant in various regions, with syndicates employing increasingly sophisticated methods to siphon off fuel from pipelines. The government has been ramping up efforts to combat the issue, including enhanced surveillance and stricter regulations on fuel transportation.
However, critics argue that more systemic changes are needed, including better oversight within Pemex and stricter penalties for those involved in such activities. The recent Ensenada operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement actions, but experts emphasize that continued vigilance is crucial to making a long-term impact on this pervasive issue.
As Mexico continues to strengthen its response to huachicoleo, both authorities and citizens hope for more successful operations like the one in Ensenada, marking further progress toward eradicating fuel theft and stabilizing the country’s economy.