U.S. federal authorities intercept and seize 90 shipments of biodiesel intended for Cuba, totaling about 615,000 gallons, according to multiple outlets. The seizures occur at Port Everglades, where 71 shipments are held, and in Houston, where 19 shipments are seized.
Officials say the biodiesel is procured for a company that is under U.S. sanctions, and the estimated value is reported at more than $2.8 million. CBS describes the action as part of efforts that tighten a U.S.-imposed oil blockade intended to deter fuel trafficking linked to Cuba. The New York Times adds that the procurement involves a sanctioned entity identified by the Treasury Department, framing the case in terms of compliance with sanctions and export controls. All accounts describe coordinated involvement by U.S. agencies including HSI and CBP.
Federal officials have not provided additional details in the excerpts beyond the quantities, locations, and the sanctions-linked procurement context.
