# Mexican authorities combat illegal fuel operations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-authorities-combat-illegal-fuel-operations
> Updated: 2026-09-17T13:42:00.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Mexican state and federal security forces have conducted operations to intercept the illegal transport and storage of hydrocarbons.

In August, an operation in Puebla involving the Mexican Navy, SEDENA, and state security forces resulted in the seizure of over 21,000 liters of illegal fuel and seven tankers in San Salvador El Verde. One individual was detained during the intervention.

In September, authorities in Guanajuato conducted a judge-authorized search of a property in an industrial park in San José de Iturbide. This operation led to the seizure of an estimated 59 million liters of suspected diesel and gasoline stored in ten tanks, along with three cargo units and related documentation. Specialized personnel were deployed to manage the massive volume of fuel to mitigate environmental and safety risks.

Juan Mauro González Martínez, the Secretary of Security and Peace of Guanajuato, stated that the operation is part of an ongoing investigation into potential crimes involving the illegal storage and distribution of hydrocarbons. The investigation in San José de Iturbide reportedly began after officials tracked the route of a previously seized tanker truck. While the volume of the seizure is considered “historically significant for the region,” no arrests have been reported at this time. The Federal Public Ministry has taken custody of the evidence to conduct forensic analysis regarding the chemical nature and legal status of the diesel, regular gasoline, and premium gasoline seized.

## Claims

- Authorities seized approximately 59 million liters of suspected hydrocarbon in Guanajuato. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The seizure included ten storage tanks, three cargo units, various containers, and related documentation. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The operation was the result of investigation and coordination between federal and state authorities. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The Federal Public Ministry is investigating possible crimes related to the storage and distribution of hydrocarbons. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The search was conducted in an industrial park in the community of La Fragua, San José de Iturbide. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The suspected fuel has characteristics of diesel, regular gasoline, and premium gasoline. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- No arrests have been reported following the operation. (corroborated by 8 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Guanajuato authorities seize 59 million liters of suspected illegal fuel

Mexican authorities seized approximately 59 million liters of suspected illegal fuel, including diesel and gasoline, during a major raid in San José de Iturbide, Guanajuato.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guanajuato-authorities-seize-59-million-liters-of-suspected-fuel

### 2026-08-24: Puebla authorities seize 21,000 liters of illegal fuel and seven tankers

Security forces in Puebla, Mexico, seized over 21,600 liters of illegal fuel and seven tanker trucks in San Salvador El Verde, resulting in one arrest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puebla-authorities-seize-21000-liters-of-illegal-fuel-and-seven-tankers

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Cite as: Mexican authorities combat illegal fuel operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-authorities-combat-illegal-fuel-operations