Mexico’s Security Secretary Announces Major Crackdown on Fuel Theft
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, reported on the dismantling of an organization involved in the illegal theft and commercialization of hydrocarbons, along with the arrest of 35,817 criminals for high-impact crimes. Among those detained were “important operatives of criminal organizations and high-priority targets that generated significant levels of violence.”
Coordinated Efforts to Combat Fuel Theft
García Harfuch explained that a coordinated effort is underway between the Secretariat of Energy, Treasury, Pemex, Customs, Profeco, Security, and the Fiscalía to accurately track imported, produced, and sold fuel. This initiative, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to ensure no fuel exists outside official records. The effort includes intensified customs inspections, with every arriving vessel analyzed to verify declared content matches the transported fuel type.
Key Arrests and Seizures
Following the seizure of 10 million liters of diesel in Tampico, Tamaulipas, in March, 15 individuals were arrested in Mexico City, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz. These included businesspeople and public servants linked to the illegal fuel market, leading to the dismantling of an organization engaged in theft and illegal hydrocarbon commercialization.
Investigations revealed criminal structures behind the illegal fuel trade, supported by forged documents and complicit transportation companies.
Results of the First Year of Sheinbaum’s Administration
García Harfuch presented the results of combating this delict during Sheinbaum’s first year in office: 98 million liters of hydrocarbons seized in Aguascalientes, Baja California, Campeche, Mexico City, Coahuila, Estado de México, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Puebla, Sonora, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
These actions weakened one of the primary sources of funding for organized crime. Authorities located and shut down 1,938 clandestine taps and secured 3,080 containers, 1,656 trucks, 1,433 drums, and 129 fuel tankers, among other materials used for illegal fuel extraction and transport.
Impact on Criminal Networks
García Harfuch stated that investigations into fuel smuggling proceed according to law.
“When we made large seizures in March, which were the largest to date, people asked when arrests would follow. The arrests came months later with solid investigations that obtained arrest warrants, leading to the detention of public servants and businesspeople… More than a commitment, it’s our duty to follow through to the end. And we will.”
Direct Impact on Security
The Federal Protective Service participates as complementary police in special operations, contributing to security and tranquility in regions with high demand for police presence, such as Acapulco, Culiacán, Tijuana, Villahermosa, and Mazatlán since last Tuesday.
“We are aware that to reduce crime, we must apprehend those who commit it. Therefore, in these regions, significant arrests of violence generators have been achieved.”
In 23 federal entities, the average daily intentional homicides decreased during the past year. For example, García Harfuch mentioned the arrest of Francisco “N,” alias Alfa Uno, leader of a Gulf Cartel cell in Guanajuato, and simultaneous operations in Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Yucatán.
“On March 18, a significant decrease in daily intentional homicides began to be registered, reducing by 61% compared to February. Of course, operations have continued,” García Harfuch proudly declared amidst applause.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of the crackdown? The primary objective is to dismantle organizations involved in the illegal theft and commercialization of hydrocarbons, targeting high-impact crimes.
- Which agencies are collaborating in this effort? The Secretariat of Energy, Treasury, Pemex, Customs, Profeco, Security, and the Fiscalía are working together to track fuel imports, production, and sales.
- How many people have been arrested? Nearly 35,000 individuals have been detained for high-impact crimes, including those linked to the illegal fuel market.
- What results have been achieved in the first year of Sheinbaum’s administration? Over 98 million liters of hydrocarbons have been seized, and 1,938 clandestine taps along with various transport materials have been located and shut down.
- How has this impacted criminal networks? These actions have weakened one of the primary sources of funding for organized crime.
- What is the direct impact on security? The Federal Protective Service’s participation in special operations has contributed to reducing crime in regions with high demand for police presence.
