The RGP seized around 1750 litres of petrol stored in 70 plastic containers inside a cave complex in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

A statement from the RGP follows below:

An intelligence-led operation conducted by RGP Community Policing Team officers  on Saturday 6th June, resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,750 litres of petrol  stored inside 70 plastic containers within a cave complex in the Upper Rock Nature  Reserve. 

The fuel was seized, recovered and stored with the assistance of other RGP officers  and personnel from the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service and HM Customs  

An investigation remains ongoing.  

An RGP spokesperson said, “The illicit and dangerous practice of storing large  quantities of fuel in plastic containers is linked to the logistical supply of vessels  involved in drugs trafficking across the Strait of Gibraltar. 

“In addition to denying this fuel to the organised crime groups involved in this illicit  activity, the discovery and seizure of this fuel that had been stored recklessly in a  confined cave complex mitigated the significant risk of fire or explosion in the Upper  Rock Nature Reserve during the current high-risk season.” 

The RGP appeals to anyone who is in possession of any information concerning the  purchase and storage of large quantities of fuel in plastic containers, or who suspects the presence of fuel stored nearby due to a strong smell, to contact the RGP on  Telephone 200 72500, or via the RGP website online reporting portal  www.police.gi/report-online so that the matter can be investigated further.