Mexican federal and regional authorities have seized about 59 million litres of gasoline and diesel fuel in the municipality of San Jose Iturbide in Guanajuato state, according to the state government.
In an official statement, the authorities said a search of the site led to the discovery and seizure of roughly 59 million litres of hydrocarbon fuel with characteristics associated with diesel, as well as regular and premium gasoline.
The operation was carried out in the La Fragua community as part of an investigation into alleged crimes linked to the storage, distribution and other transactions involving hydrocarbons. The search was authorized by a federal criminal court judge and conducted by federal prosecutors with the participation of specialist experts and state authorities.
During the inspection, officials found and seized 10 fuel-filled containers, three tanker trucks, various containers used to transport the fuel, and documents related to the case under investigation.
The Guanajuato government said that because of the volume of the product found and the risks associated with its circulation, measurement, identification and follow-up procedures will continue under the supervision of specialist personnel and competent authorities.
Authorities added that the measures were intended to prevent fuel leaks, fires and other incidents that could pose a risk to residents, property or the environment.
The seized volume is equivalent to the load of about 2,000 tanker trucks with a 30-tonne capacity each. According to the Guanajuato government, that is nearly eight times more than the roughly 7.9 million litres of hydrocarbons and their derivatives seized in various operations across the region over the previous two years.
