U.S. Border Patrol agents recently uncovered and shut down a roughly 3,00-foot-long drug smuggling tunnel under the southern border between the United States and Mexico.
In a Wednesday press release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that Border Patrol agents “uncovered and disabled a large-scale narcotics smuggling tunnel” that connected Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, California. The press release noted that the tunnel was “highly sophisticated” and extended over 1,000 feet into the United States.
Customs and Border Protection explained that the San Diego Sector Tunnel Team’s Border Patrol agents discovered the tunnel when it was being constructed in early April and determined that its projected exit point was either inside or near a commercial warehouse space in San Diego.
“The investigation revealed the tunnel was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, ventilation systems, and a track system designed for transporting large quantities of contraband,” Customs and Border Protection stated.
During the Border Patrol’s initial investigation of the tunnel, agents discovered “makeshift barricades” that were placed “haphazardly” in an effort to prevent officials from identifying the origin of the tunnel in Mexico.
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“Agents carefully mapped the tunnel, which measured 2,918 feet in total length,” Customs and BorderPatrol added. “Inside, the tunnel dimensions measured 42 inches in height, 28 inches in width and ran approximately 50 feet underground at its deepest point.”
According to the press release, Border Patrol agents coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations and Mexican officials on Monday to locate the tunnel’s origin in Tijuana, Mexico. Mexican officials discovered that the entrance had been hidden with tile.
Pictures of the massive drug smuggling tunnel were shared Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, by Libs of TikTok.
“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,” Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, acting chief patrol agent of the San Diego Sector, said. “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.”
In Wednesday’s press release, Customs and Border Protection said that over 95 tunnels have been “found and decommissioned” in the San Diego area since 1993. Officials also confirmed that the nearly 3,000-foot tunnel has been scheduled for “immediate remediation” by Border Patrol agents and that thousands of gallons of concrete will be poured into the tunnel to prevent terrorist organizations from using the tunnel for smuggling operations in the future.
