SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — U.S. Border Patrol agents have discovered and disabled a highly sophisticated, large-scale drug smuggling tunnel running from Tijuana, Mexico, into the Otay Mesa area of San Diego, authorities announced Wednesday.
According to officials with the San Diego Sector Border Patrol, the tunnel—still under construction when it was discovered in early April—extended more than 1,000 feet into U.S. territory and was equipped with a range of advanced features, including electrical wiring, lighting, a ventilation system, and a track system believed to be used for transporting large quantities of narcotics.
The tunnel’s path ran beneath a portion of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and was projected to surface near or inside a commercial warehouse. Border Patrol’s specialized Tunnel Team made entry and encountered multiple makeshift barricades apparently designed to obstruct their progress and obscure the tunnel’s origin point.
The full length of the tunnel was mapped at 2,918 feet, with interior dimensions measuring 42 inches high and 28 inches wide, and reaching a depth of about 50 feet below ground.
In collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations and Mexican authorities, U.S. agents were able to trace the tunnel’s origin to a residence in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood. The entrance had been recently covered with freshly laid tile in an apparent effort to conceal the operation. Mexican law enforcement served a warrant at the property and confirmed the tunnel entrance.
“As we continue to strengthen the nation’s air and maritime border security, it’s not surprising that foreign terrorist organizations would resort to underground routes,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey D. Stalnaker. “Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives. I’m grateful for the exceptional work of the Tunnel Team agents who placed themselves in danger, as well as the cooperation of our Mexican law enforcement partners.”
Since 1993, more than 95 tunnels have been discovered and decommissioned in the San Diego area. Border Patrol officials said this newly discovered tunnel is scheduled for immediate remediation. Contractors will fill the passageway with thousands of gallons of concrete to prevent its use by smugglers or terrorist organizations.
U.S. Border Patrol continues to urge the public to report suspicious activity near the border. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact 911 or the San Diego Sector Border Patrol at 619-498-9900.
