Five individuals, three from La Línea de la Concepción, one from Algeciras, and a resident of Vejer, have been arrested by the Civil Guard in the province of Cádiz. They are accused of a crime involving the acquisition, transport, or storage of liquid fuel with manifest recklessness, after approximately 2,400 liters of gasoline in 95 jerrycans were seized. The fuel was intended for supplying drug-smuggling boats.
The operation began on June 15th, when agents from the Investigation Area of the Barbate post were conducting surveillance at a service station in Zahara de los Atunes. They observed several individuals using two rented vehicles to refuel with gasoline quantities far exceeding normal vehicle tank capacities, using jerrycans for 'petaqueo' (fuel smuggling).
After discreetly following one of the vehicles, agents located a property on the outskirts of Barbate. Upon realizing the police presence, the individuals attempted to flee but were intercepted. A voluntary search of the property uncovered a rented van containing the gasoline jerrycans, provisions, and repair tools for outboard motors.
They are all allegedly responsible for a crime of acquisition, transport, or storage of liquid fuel with manifest recklessness.
The detainees, aged between 26 and 36, have been brought before the judicial authorities. The action is part of the application of the new Article 568.2 of the Penal Code, which punishes these acts with imprisonment ranging from three to five years. The seized provisions were handed over to a local charity center.
