Contradictions Surrounding Mexico’s Cartel Fuel Seizure
Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s top security official, revealed that last week’s much-publicized cartel fuel seizure was not as straightforward as initially presented. He mentioned that the operation at the facility happened two weeks prior to the media announcement. Following the fallout, Juan Francisco Vera, the regional delegate for the Attorney General’s Office, was dismissed from his position. Notably, Harfuch indicated that the operation was executed by regional authorities and not specialized units of the FGR. Furthermore, he acknowledged that they had not definitively proven the fuel was huachicol, contrary to earlier assertions.
This admission supports a report from Breitbart Texas, which disclosed that authorities had raided a legal oil storage facility, complete with proper permits and a record of government contracts, rather than a secret cartel site. Some Mexican news outlets have speculated that the raid might have been an effort by corrupt officials to extort the oil company. As more details surfaced, the case appeared to unravel.
Breitbart Texas also indicated that Mexico’s government might have been staging raids and seizures to shift focus away from U.S. pressure aimed at addressing drug cartels. Despite taking action against various cartel leaders, the Mexican government has been criticized for its continued protection of political elites, which has facilitated the growth of these cartels and their operations. For example, an area like the illegal fuel trade, often referred to as huachicol, has expanded significantly since the Morena Party assumed power.
Recent investigations into illegal fuel trafficking have implicated high-ranking officials in Mexico’s Navy, suggesting that they may have allowed substantial shipments of illegal fuel to enter the country. Presently, authorities have scapegoated two naval vice-admirals, seemingly attempting to shield former Secretary of the Navy Rafael Ojeda—who is related to the vice-admirals—from scrutiny. Various news sources have suggested that if this case progresses further, it could implicate not just Ojeda but also the sons of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and other influential figures within the Morena party.
These revelations arise during a period when Mexico is actively trying to prevent the arrest and extradition of Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, who is facing charges in the U.S. for conspiracy related to drug trafficking and weapons, purportedly for his involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel.
