Raids on five properties in the northeastern border state of Tamaulipas resulted in the seizure of 68,000 liters of diesel fuel, several firearms, tactical communications equipment and 135 exotic animals. 

The operation — carried out by the Navy, with assistance from the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Security Ministry and state authorities — was a follow-up to ongoing investigations related to huachicoleo (the illegal practice of stealing, smuggling and selling fuel).

“Our investigations continue to dismantle this network and affect its logistical and financial capabilities,” Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the Navy Ministry said that in addition to securing five properties, including a storage center, an illegal gas station, a house, a workshop and a ranch, one individual was arrested. The officials also seized an undisclosed number of tanker trucks and “fuel-handling equipment.”

Among the exotic animals impounded by the authorities — all at a single ranch — were at least 35 listed as endangered under Mexican law (21 spider monkeys, three jaguars, an ocelot, a green macaw, an American bison, bighorn sheep, a green iguana and an Aztec parrot). 

Also found were Bengal tigers, a mandrill, a lemur, African lions, hyenas and sulcata tortoises, all of which are subject to special protection under international animal trade laws. 

All the animals were placed at the disposal of the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection for evaluation, safekeeping and specialized handling.

In addition to the diesel fuel, the raid netted a tractor-trailer, tanker trucks and other equipment.

The properties — located in the municipalities of Altamira and Tampico — have been sealed and were placed under the custody of the proper authorities. The suspect was turned over to the FGR for processing.

The Security Ministry said the investigation will seek to determine the origin of the fuel and the animals, as well as to establish potential liability and locate other members of the network under investigation. 

It also emphasized that the operation aims to contribute to the protection and preservation of wildlife in Mexico.

With reports from Infobae, El Financiero, El Economista, Reforma and La Jornada