Sunday, February 16, 2025

Petroleum thieves turn to other sources of funds after pipeline shut down

Shutting down a pipeline in Sinaloa has left thieves looking other sources of funds, and boosted sales of fuel at gas stations.

Pemex shut down a stretch of pipeline in February between the cities of Guámuchil and Culiacán due to the high incidence of illegal pipeline taps and the ensuing damage to infrastructure.

On July 24, Pemex Logistics announced that the pipeline would remain out of service until further notice while it continued to assess the damage and determine whether it could be repaired.

Ricardo Jenny del Rincón of the State Council for Public Security said there were 322 illegal pipeline taps in the state between January and July, up 70% over last year.

One effect of shutting off the flow of fuel was felt by local gas stations. They reported increases in sales of up to 30% after suffering declines of 50% to 70%.

But now others are suffering as the criminals turn to other illicit activities, such as stealing vehicles, machinery and products from local farmers.

However, the huachicoleros, as the petroleum thieves are called, are still busy elsewhere in the country and in some cases are coming up with unique methods of moving their product.

In Hidalgo, state police discovered 1,600 liters of stolen fuel in an ambulance

An anonymous tip led them to check the vehicle as it was traveling on the Pachuca-Sahagún highway. Instead of a patient, it was carrying eight drums of fuel reported stolen in Tlalnepantla, México state.

Two people were taken into custody.

Source: El Universal (sp), El Norte (sp)

An aerial view of the hotel Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres

Massive new Playa Mujeres resort expected to create 3,000 jobs

16
The US $220-million, all-inclusive resort features 470 rooms, seven pools and a spa.
A cockroach like those you can name after your ex at the Nuevo Laredo Zoo

This Valentine’s Day, feed your cockroach ex to the animals at the Nuevo Laredo Zoo

0
The Nuevo Laredo Zoo is offering a creative way to get back at your least-favorite ex.
Soldiers guard a burned out car (narco blockade) in rural Sinaloa

New York Times: US will designate 6 Mexican cartels as terrorist groups

41
Among the most powerful of the Mexican cartels expected to receive the designation are the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.