U.S. Border Patrol agents recently uncovered an unfinished drug smuggling tunnel that connects a residential area in Tijuana, Mexico, to a commercial warehouse in San Diego, California. This tunnel, measuring nearly half a mile long, was discovered at a depth of about 50 feet and is believed to have been designed for transporting large quantities of illegal drugs.
The tunnel was found during an operation in April, but the exact starting point was only identified recently. Authorities reported that the tunnel included features like electrical wiring, ventilation systems, and even a track system for moving contraband. It extended over 1,000 feet into U.S. territory, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking across the border.
The discovery of this tunnel was made possible through collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security. Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, acting chief patrol agent of the San Diego Sector, emphasized the importance of disrupting such tunnels to protect American lives.
As agents worked to locate the tunnel’s entrance, they encountered barricades set up by workers, indicating the level of organization behind this operation. Eventually, the entrance was found in Nueva Tijuana, concealed under recently laid tiles.
In a statement, Stalnaker expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Tunnel Team agents and the cooperation with Mexican law enforcement. Following the discovery, plans were made to fill the tunnel with concrete to prevent any future use.
This incident is part of a larger trend, as authorities have discovered over 95 tunnels in the San Diego area since 1993. In 2022, a similar tunnel was found that was significantly shorter but also equipped with advanced features for smuggling drugs. The ongoing battle against drug trafficking continues to evolve, with authorities adapting to new tactics employed by smugglers.