A huge tunnel that crosses under the border between the United States and Mexico, and which was probably used to transport drugs incognito, was discovered on Monday by US authorities.
With More than 1,700 feet long, the “fully operational” tunnel runs from Tijuana to an industrial warehouse in San Diego, California.
Contains a “sophisticated” structural system that was likely used to smuggle heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States, authorities said.
The Federal prosecutor for the Southern District of California, Randy Grossman, stated: “It is estimated that it measures around 1,744 feet long, 25 feet deep, with a diameter of about 4 feet at its widest point”.
Furthermore, it reported that the tunnel has reinforced walls, a rail system and electricity for ventilation.
Although they did not say how much or time it had been operating, US authorities announced that 25 millions of dollars worth of drugs were seized from the tunnel and its operators over the weekend .
Among the drugs seized were 1,762 pounds of cocaine, 165 pounds of methamphetamine and 3.5 pounds of heroin.
Authorities also disclosed that six Southern California residents were arrested and accused of conspiring to distribute cocaine.
Fox 5 indicated that the industrial warehouse where the tunnel ends is near the US Customs and Border Protection Otay Mesa port of entry, although authorities have not commented further on the find.
The tunnel is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
How was it discovered?
It was discovered when officers began sweeping the area for drugs . They found several houses where drugs were known to be hidden and then searched the warehouse, where they discovered the tunnel.
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So far, the authorities have refused to link the last tunnel to any specific cartel.