LAREDO, Texas (AP) -- Two propane-delivery trucks were found Wednesday after being stolen from a gas company over the weekend, a theft that raised fears of what could happen if terrorists got hold of the explosive fuel.
The trucks were found on a highway just outside of Laredo, San Antonio police spokeswoman Sandy Gutierrez said. She did not know whether the trucks were still carrying the fuel.
An FBI spokesman in Laredo did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.
Police Chief Albert Ortiz said Tuesday that his department does not suspect that terrorism was behind the thefts. But officials said that since Sept. 11, such a possibility cannot be ignored.
``Four years ago, we probably would not be too concerned about this, San Antonio FBI agent Patrick Patterson said Wednesday on NBC television. ``It would be a major theft and handled like any other criminal investigation. Because of the nature of the day, we are very, very concerned about the whereabouts of these two trucks.''
One of the tankers carried about 11,355 liters (3,000 gallons) of propane, while the other held 9,842 liters (2,600 gallons), police said. The trucks were taken from a parking lot owned by Ferrellgas and have the company logo on them.
Another FBI spokesman, Rene Salinas, said the market for propane in Mexico is strong and that the thieves could have been filling an order, mirroring a similar theft about nine months ago. A nationwide alert has been posted and law enforcement officials in Mexico also have been contacted, he said.
``We don't want to alarm anyone,'' Salinas said. ``But we do want people to be on the lookout.''
Also under investigation is the weekend theft of 15 gas canisters from an ambulance supply company. Authorities do not believe the thefts are related.
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