'Sophisticated' Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Tunnel Discovered in Southern California
A federal drug investigation led to the discovery of a “sophisticated” cross-border tunnel in Otay Mesa, California, just after midnight on Friday, May 13, according to officials.
The underground tunnel stretched about one-third of a mile, from Tijuana, Mexico, to a warehouse in Otay Mesa, just east of the Port of Entry, the office for the District Attorney for Southern California said in a news release.
The news release said the tunnel was estimated to be about 1,744 feet long, 61 feet deep, and four feet in diameter, with reinforced walls, a rail system, electricity, and a ventilation system.
Video filmed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows Homeland Security Investigations San Diego and Costa Pacifica Money Laundering Task Force personnel conducting an investigation into the tunnel on May 16.
Six people were charged with conspiring to distribute 1,762 pounds of cocaine, the news release said. Authorities also seized 164 pounds of methamphetamine and 3.5 pounds of heroin. Credit: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Storyful
Video Transcript
- If you stay on the rails, it's OK.
