The nearly 3,000-foot tunnel began in Tijuana, Mexico.
U.S. Border Patrol agents in San Diego recently discovered a sophisticated, cross-border drug smuggling tunnel extending over 1,000 feet into the U.S. from Tijuana. The tunnel, still under construction, was equipped with electrical wiring, ventilation, lighting, and a rail system allegedly intended to transport large quantities of narcotics. It stretched a total of 2,918 feet, reached depths of up to 50 feet underground, and exited near a commercial warehouse in Otay Mesa. Inside the tunnel, agents encountered makeshift barricades set up by workers to obstruct access and obscure the tunnel’s origin.
Working alongside Homeland Security Investigations and Mexican authorities, agents located the tunnel’s entry point beneath a residence in Nueva Tijuana. The entrance had recently been concealed with new tile. The tunnel is the latest of more than 95 discovered in the San Diego region since 1993. Officials have scheduled it for permanent closure using concrete to prevent future use.
“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 Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker of the San Diego Sector. “Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the safety and discernment of the U.S. Border Patrol agents, Homeland Security personnel, and Mexican law enforcement as they confront these operations.
- For God to bring hidden crimes to light.
- For U.S. officials as they seek to prevent smuggling and trafficking by cartels.
Sources: Customs and Border Protection
