Authorities on both sides of the US-Mexico border are delving into the discovery of an extensive underground tunnel in the Tijuana region, suspected to extend towards the United States.
The discovery occurred on Saturday in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood during a raid led by Mexican federal authorities, with crucial backing from the Mexican Navy, as reported by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators revealed that the clandestine passage measures approximately 869 feet in length and is situated about 21 feet below ground. This makes it one of the more significant cross-border tunnel finds in recent times.
The revelation of this underground route came to light following the execution of a search warrant at a property located in eastern Tijuana.
During the operation, officers confiscated various items, including ammunition, cell phones, bank cards, a digital video recorder, and numerous doses of methamphetamine.
Upon inspecting the premises, investigators discovered a tunnel lined with wood, leading officials to suspect it was constructed with the intention of reaching the U.S. border.
Mexican authorities said evidence recovered during the raid suggests the property may have been used as a logistical center for criminal activity, including the storage and movement of narcotics, weapons and explosive materials.
Following the search, both the seized evidence and the property were transferred to federal prosecutors, who are continuing the investigation.
The discovery has also drawn the attention of U.S. authorities.
In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations confirmed agents are participating in an active probe involving the underground passage near Otay Mesa, a major border crossing area between Tijuana and San Diego.
“Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego, in coordination with our Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) partners, are conducting a criminal enforcement operation involving a cross-border subterranean tunnel in Otay Mesa, CA.
“To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure the safety of all involved, we are unable provide additional details at this time.”
Officials have not yet disclosed where the tunnel may emerge on the U.S. side of the border, how long it may have been in operation, or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the discovery.
Cross-border tunnels have long been used by transnational criminal organizations to move drugs, cash and other contraband between Mexico and the United States while avoiding heavily monitored ports of entry and border security infrastructure.
