Federal authorities recently uncovered a significant drug smuggling tunnel that stretched nearly half a mile from a home in Tijuana, Mexico, to a commercial warehouse in Otay Mesa, California. This tunnel, measuring about 2,918 feet in length, was discovered by U.S. Border Patrol agents in April while it was still under construction. However, the entrance was not identified until this week.
The tunnel was found at a depth of roughly 50 feet and had a height of 42 inches and a width of 28 inches. It was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, ventilation systems, and even a track system for transporting drugs. Authorities believe it was intended for large-scale drug trafficking.
Border Patrol agents, working alongside officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Mexican authorities, acted swiftly to shut down the construction site. Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, the acting chief patrol agent for the San Diego Sector, emphasized the importance of disrupting such tunnels to protect American lives. He noted that as border security tightens, drug traffickers often resort to digging underground routes.
The tunnel was mapped out, revealing that over 1,000 feet of it lay within U.S. territory. During the investigation, agents encountered barricades set up by workers to hinder law enforcement efforts. Eventually, the tunnel’s entrance was located in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood, just a few blocks from the U.S. border, concealed under recently placed tiles.
In addition to the tunnel, authorities seized a package containing methamphetamine, highlighting the tunnel’s intended use for drug smuggling. As part of the closure process, contractors are expected to fill the tunnel with concrete to prevent any future use.
This discovery adds to the growing list of tunnels found in the San Diego area, with more than 95 tunnels having been identified and decommissioned since 1993. The ongoing efforts by U.S. and Mexican authorities reflect a concerted push to combat drug trafficking and enhance border security.