Authorities Recover 3.1 Million L of Stolen Fuel in Tabasco

The Mexican government announced last week that a joint task force recovered about 3.1 million L of hydrocarbon fuel during a raid in the state of Tabasco.

The operation took place in the Plátano y Cacao ranchería, located in the Centro municipality. Authorities also seized 18 vehicles, three pieces of heavy machinery, and 3,904 containers used to store the fuel.

The operation involved personnel from the Defense Ministry, Navy, FGR, National Guard, and SSPC, along with PEMEX Physical Security, Police, Civil Protection, and the Fire Department of the state of Tabasco.

During her Friday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum said the case remains under investigation. She added that authorities are still reviewing possible ties to huachicoleo operations and whether the stolen fuel was being transported to the United States. “It was a great recovery,” stated Sheinbaum.

This is the second raid in Tabasco this month involving large volumes of stolen fuel. Earlier in May, Minister of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García announced that 1.5 million L had been recovered from another ranchería. Back in March, the government seized a ship carrying 10 million L of illegal diesel off the coast of Tamaulipas.

According to PEMEX, illegal fuel extraction between 2019 and 2024 cost the company an estimated US$3.8 billion.