Gertz dismisses discovery of clandestine "mini refinery" in Coatzacoalcos

MEXICO CITY (apro) – The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), Alejandro Gertz Manero, dismissed the recent discovery of a “mini-refinery” in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, although he said the criminal proceedings in that case are “on track.”

This Sunday afternoon, in a joint press conference with members of the security cabinet, the official was questioned about the progress of the investigation into what was described as a clandestine "mini-refinery" in that municipality.

“First, we need to define the word 'refinery'; that's not a refinery. When you look at what a refinery is, what it means to process raw material to convert it into a commercial material, it doesn't have those characteristics in any way, and that's obvious,” he replied.

The former Federal District Attorney added: "The fact that they have warehouses there, as was established, especially for fuel coming from Pemex, has allowed us to begin the entire process, and that facility has now been secured. The procedures have already begun, and we are on the right track."

The press pressed Gertz Manero on whether there was any progress in the case, to which he replied:

"As soon as we have the arrest warrants executed, we will let you know."

On June 19, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, reported that federal institutions dismantled an artisanal diesel production center in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, where more than 500,000 liters of crude oil were recovered, as well as infrastructure for clandestine fuel production.

He added that the site also produced light naphtha or solvents and treated oils or light fuel oil. The facility, he said, operated without the proper permits and posed a risk to local ecosystems.