US-Mexico Drug Tunnel Found, Details Revealed

U.S. Border Patrol agents and Mexican authorities discovered and disabled a nearly 3,000-foot-long underground drug smuggling tunnel running from a residence in Tijuana’s Nueva Tijuana neighborhood to a projected exit near a commercial warehouse in Otay Mesa, San Diego. The tunnel, under construction in early April, featured lighting, ventilation, electrical wiring, a rail track system, and was located about 50 feet below ground, measuring 42 inches tall and 28 inches wide. Makeshift barricades were found inside, intended to delay law enforcement. The tunnel was concealed by freshly laid tiles and hidden entrances. U.S. and Mexican officials cooperated closely during the operation, with contractors set to fill the tunnel with thousands of gallons of concrete to prevent future use. Authorities stressed that organized crime and potential foreign terrorist groups continue to exploit such tunnels as border security tightens.