U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered a nearly 3,000-foot-long, sophisticated cartel drug smuggling tunnel that was actively under construction, extending from Tijuana, Mexico, over 1,000 feet into the suburbs of San Diego, California.
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“As we continue to strengthen the nation’s air, and maritime border security, it’s not surprising that foreign terrorist organizations would resort to underground routes,” said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector.
“Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives. I’m grateful for the exceptional work of the Tunnel Team agents who placed themselves in danger, as well as the cooperation of our Mexican law enforcement partners,” he added.
The Border Patrol’s Tunnel Team discovered the tunnel in April while it was under construction and found that part of it ran under the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
Agents entered the tunnel and discovered that it was wired for electricity, had lighting and ventilation, and was fitted with a track system to smuggle large quantities of illegal drugs into the U.S.
The unfinished tunnel entrance was concealed in a residence in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood in Tijuana and was projected to end, once completed, in or near a commercial warehouse in San Diego.
Mexican authorities executed a search warrant on the residence concealing the tunnel entrance and discovered that the entrance was concealed by freshly laid tile.
When Border Patrol agents entered the tunnel, they discovered makeshift barricades scattered haphazardly throughout the tunnel in an apparent attempt to impede the federal agents.
Agents mapped the tunnel and discovered that it measured 2,918 feet and was only 42 inches tall and 28 inches wide. At its deepest point, the tunnel ran as deep as 50 feet underground.
The tunnel is now set to be filled in with thousands of gallons of concrete to prevent cartels, designated as foreign terrorist organizations, from using it to smuggle drugs or people into the U.S.
CBP did not specify how the tunnel was first discovered or speculate on which foreign terrorist organization was responsible for its construction.
According to the agency’s press release, agents have closed down over 95 tunnels in the San Diego area alone since 1993.
