Alleged underground drug tunnel discovered in San Diego
Federal authorities say a newly discovered tunnel running between Tijuana and San Diego was likely used to move drugs, weapons and people across the U.S.-Mexico border. Investigators said the operation also led to the recovery of narcotics valued at roughly $45 million.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in San Diego seized more than $67 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of separate July busts, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The seizures were carried out by CBP’s San Diego Field Office, which oversees seven ports of entry along the California-Mexico border, as the Trump administration continued its push to strengthen security along the southern border.
“Day after day, our officers remain steadfast in their mission to protect our communities and secure our borders,” said Sidney Aki, CBP San Diego director of field operations. “These significant narcotics seizures reflect their vigilance, professionalism, and commitment to keeping dangerous drugs out of the United States.”
From July 1 through July 31, officers assigned to the San Diego office intercepted 8,359 pounds of narcotics across 144 alleged smuggling attempts.
Mexican national faces federal charges after CBP finds $238K in fentanyl inside electric moped
A table is covered with drugs seized by border authorities in San Diego. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in the region seized more than $67 million in illegal drugs across multiple July operations, the Department of Homeland Security said. (Department of Homeland Security)
The total included 553 pounds of fentanyl, 36 pounds of heroin, 2,572 pounds of cocaine and 5,077 pounds of methamphetamine. DHS estimated the combined street value of the seized drugs at $67 million.
Stash of drugs seized in July by border authorities at a San Diego port of entry. (Department of Homeland Security)
In addition, earlier this month, a 22-year-old Mexican citizen was found with 16 pounds of fentanyl — with an estimated street value of nearly $240,000 — hidden inside an electric moped attempting to enter the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, which separates San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico.
CBP recently announced that officers stopped a vehicle carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube and other weapons as it attempted to cross from Arizona into Mexico.
Another batch of illegal drugs seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at San Diego ports of entry in July. (Department of Homeland Security)
In addition to the weapon, authorities said they found four rifles, an Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-style pistol, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks and 20 pistol grips.
