Tigers, jaguars, bison found in raid on fuel smugglers near U.S. border
Summary
Mexican authorities rescued over 130 exotic animals, including Bengal tigers and jaguars, during raids on fuel smugglers near the U.S. border in Tamaulipas. The raids targeted a smuggling ring that illegally sold fuel, a major business for organized crime groups in Mexico.Key Facts
- Authorities found animals such as Bengal tigers, jaguars, lions, hyenas, and an American bison on a ranch linked to fuel smugglers.
- Thirty-five of the rescued animals are endangered species, including a green macaw and sulcata tortoise.
- Mexican cartels often keep exotic animals as symbols of power. Some have used them to harm enemies.
- The raid also seized 18,000 gallons of diesel fuel, fuel tanks, pumps, weapons, and tools.
- Fuel smuggling, called huachicol, is the second biggest income source for Mexican cartels after drugs.
- Cartels steal fuel by tapping pipelines, bribing workers, hijacking trucks, and other illegal methods.
- Stolen fuel is sold in Mexico, the U.S., and Central America, with some cartel-run service stations in the U.S.
- U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on cartel members and companies involved in fuel theft.
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