Sheinbaum Sets Record in Fuel Theft Seizures with 70 Million L

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has seized nearly 70 million L of stolen fuel in just eight months, surpassing all confiscations made during the previous six-year administration which totaled 46 million L, according to PEMEX figures.

The government’s campaign, which according to Minister of Security Omar García Harfuch is rooted in federal intelligence and interagency coordination, has dismantled major fuel theft operations across Mexico. One of the most significant seizures occurred in Altamira, Tamaulipas, where authorities intercepted a ship carrying 10 million L of diesel falsely labeled as lubricants. The operation also uncovered nearly 200 containers, 29 tractor-trailers, and weapons.

The intelligence-led approach has extended into central and southeastern states, including coordinated raids in Mexico City, Queretaro, and the State of Mexico that exposed a major fuel theft ring. In Coahuila and Tabasco, further seizures brought in millions of liters more, along with vehicles and equipment tied to illicit distribution.

Harfuch said the goal is not only to recover fuel but to dismantle entire criminal supply chains. The seized product, after inspection, is repurposed for state use, supporting entities like the National Guard.

Physical and fiscal huachicol are a major money drain not only for PEMEX but for Mexico as a whole, with the NOC losing around MX$20.4 billion to fuel theft and around MX$177 billion to illegal fuel trade.