United States authorities have discovered a sophisticated tunnel\nstretching across the US-Mexico border. The underground passage, which\nterminates in a retail shop in the state of California, is believed to\nhave been used for smuggling cocaine.<\/p>\n
Reports from US officials, as cited by AFP on Wednesday (3\/6\/2026),\nindicate that the cocaine smuggled through the tunnel is estimated to be\nworth more than US$45 million. The underground passage extends from a\nlocation in the city of Tijuana, Mexico, to an exit at the Otay Mesa\nPort of Entry, with an estimated length of 590 metres and a height of\n1.4 metres. The tunnel is situated at a depth of 16.8 metres below the\nsurface.<\/p>\n
US investigators stated that the tunnel features reinforced walls, a\nrail and ventilation system, an electrical supply, and is accessed via a\nhydraulic lift. Video released by the US Department of Justice shows\nwell-constructed concrete stairs leading into the tunnel, which appears\nto be carved from rock with a concrete floor.<\/p>\n
Federal drug investigators from the US Department of Homeland\nSecurity (DHS) reportedly spent months monitoring movements around a\nretail store named \u201cBuy 4 Less\u201d on the US side of the border. During the\nDHS raid, investigators discovered over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine,\nbelieved to have been transported through the tunnel and loaded into\nseveral trucks.<\/p>\n
\u201cCriminal organisations continue to seek ways to exploit our border,\nbut they underestimate the determination of the men and women who\nprotect it. The discovery of this tunnel is a testament to our strong\npartnership and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both\nsides of the border,\u201d said Justin De La Torre, head agent of the US\nBorder Patrol San Diego sector.<\/p>\n
At least four individuals\u2014two from San Diego and two from Mexico\u2014have\nbeen charged in connection with the alleged drug importation. The US\nDepartment of Justice stated that 99 underground tunnels have been\ndiscovered in the southern district of California since 1993, 28 of\nwhich are considered sophisticated. The last operational tunnel\ndiscovered in the area was in 2022.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-authorities-discover-sophisticated-drug-tunnel-at-mexican-border-1780851612", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }