Mexico City, January 16 – Authorities from Pemex and the Mexico City government detected an illegal turbosine tap at a residence located at Tezozomoc number 25 in the San Antonio neighborhood of Azcapotzalco. The site is situated just over a kilometer from Pemex’s 18 de Marzo Storage and Dispatch Terminal.
Operation Secures Illicit Fuel Connection
The discovery was made on Thursday evening, leading to a significant security operation. Elements of the Mexican Army, National Guard, and the Mexico City Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) were deployed to secure the premises and surrounding area. Personnel from Pemex immediately began working on the clandestine tap.
Myriam Urzúa, Secretary of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection for the capital government, confirmed that there was no risk to neighboring homes. However, upon the arrival of authorities, individuals involved in the illegal extraction fled, leaving the tap valves open and causing a spill.
Evidence of Illegal Activity and Fuel Type
Inside the property, authorities found 50 canisters, 27 of which contained hydrocarbon. Pemex personnel confirmed that the substance was turbosine, a fuel primarily used for aircraft turbine engines, jets, and helicopters. Beyond aviation, turbosine is also utilized in industrial equipment, electricity generators, boilers, and furnaces due to its high energy efficiency.
A van, believed to have been used for transporting the illicit fuel, was also secured at the site. The area remains under the custody of the Secretariat of National Defense, the National Guard, Mexico City Firefighters, and the Secretariat of Citizen Security.
Excavation Underway to Seal the Tap
A backhoe has commenced excavation work in the central median of the roadway to locate the connection point to the main pipeline. This operation aims to permanently seal the illegal tap and prevent further illicit extraction of fuel.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with fuel theft, known as ‘huachicol,’ in Mexico. Authorities continue to combat these illegal activities that pose significant economic and safety risks.
