Brief
U.S. seizes 90 Cuba-bound biodiesel shipments worth $3 million
Homeland Security agencies captured 71 tanks at Port Everglades and 19 shipments at Port of Houston, targeting fuel for sanctioned Cuban wholesaler ENETEC.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Department of Homeland Security announced on October 7 that federal agents intercepted 90 biodiesel shipments destined for Cuba, valued at almost $3 million. The interdictions were carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
What happened
Intelligence gathered in early September flagged biodiesel exports from the United States heading to ENETEC S.A., a Havana‑based fuel wholesaler sanctioned by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. CBP officials then traced shipments leaving Port Everglades in Florida and the Port of Houston in Texas. HSI reported that agents seized 71 oil storage tanks at Port Everglades containing roughly 500,000 gallons of biodiesel and captured an additional 19 shipments at the Port of Houston holding about 120,000 gallons.
What the reports add
The CBS News report notes that the seized fuel was intended for a state‑owned company that the United States has barred from receiving fuel under export restrictions enacted weeks earlier. It also mentions that the interdictions occurred amid alleged violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Administration Regulations.
What was said
HSI Miami Special Agent in Charge Jose Figueroa said the agency would "continue to identify, disrupt and investigate efforts to evade U.S. sanctions, protect the integrity of U.S. export controls and deny the Cuban government access to resources obtained in violation of U.S. law." Daniel Alonso, director of field operations for CBP, added that the agency is "steadfast in enforcing the laws of the United States across all domains, encompassing both incoming commerce and outbound shipments."
How it came about
The operation builds on earlier U.S. Coast Guard actions, including the September 5 seizure of the cargo vessel Grace carrying fuel between Cuba and Mexico and a summer interception of the Jaira Provider with over 200,000 gallons aboard. The intensified blockade follows a 2026 policy push by former President Trump to cut off most energy shipments to Cuba.
Key facts
- U.S. agencies intercepted 90 biodiesel shipments to Cuba valued at nearly $3 million. (cbsnews.com)
- 71 storage tanks with about 500,000 gallons were seized at Port Everglades; 19 shipments with about 120,000 gallons were seized at the Port of Houston. (cbsnews.com)
- The fuel was destined for ENETEC S.A., a Havana‑based wholesaler sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in July. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “U. S. intercepts $3 million worth of fuel shipments to Cuba as energy blockade tightens”
