SAN DIEGO, CA – U.S. and Mexican authorities have discovered a sophisticated drug smuggling tunnel stretching from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, near one of the busiest border crossings in the country. The tunnel, equipped with electricity, lighting, and ventilation, is believed to have been used by criminal organizations to transport large quantities of drugs into the United States undetected.
The tunnel’s entry point was found in a home in Tijuana, and it extended more than 2,900 feet, reaching underneath the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. This crossing is one of the most frequented commercial border points in the United States. The tunnel, still under construction, featured a track system for moving shipments, and makeshift barricades were discovered inside, possibly intended to delay law enforcement.
A representative from the U.S. Border Patrol Council noted that Mexican cartels are typically behind these complex underground passages. Often, tunnels are utilized even before they are fully completed, with upgrades being made over time.
Authorities plan to dismantle the tunnel by filling it with concrete, rendering it unusable for future smuggling operations. This discovery marks the 96th tunnel uncovered by agents in the San Diego sector since 1993.
Despite this significant find, authorities acknowledge that many more tunnels likely remain hidden. The continuous uncovering of these tunnels deals a substantial blow to the cartels, potentially costing them millions of dollars. However, the lucrative nature of drug smuggling drives cartels to invest heavily in advanced underground infrastructure.
Collaboration between U.S. and Mexican agencies is crucial in combating these smuggling operations. Efforts are underway to understand the extent of cartel involvement and dismantle the networks behind these tunnels.
Authorities remain vigilant, aware that the fight against drug smuggling is ongoing and requires persistent cooperation and resource allocation on both sides of the border.