Authorities Arrest 22 Suspects And Seize 12 Tons Of Marijuana After Discovering U.S.-Mexico Cross-Border Drug Tunnel
After six months of undercover investigation, authorities from the U.S. and Mexico found a cross-border drug tunnel that links San Diego and Tijuana warehouses, which led to the arrest of 22 suspects and confiscation of 12 tons of marijuana, reported ABC News Oct. 22.
The tunnel was reported to be 30 feet deep, 2,400 feet long, well-lit and ventilated, with cart-and-rail system that is among the most sophisticated tunnels in the border.
An almost simultaneous police operation resulted to the arrest of six suspects in San Diego and 16 in Mexico, while also seizing 2 tons and 10 tons of marijuana in the U.S. and Mexico respectively.
According to LA Times, the raid commenced following a meeting of an undercover agent, who was posing as a smuggler, and two alleged drug traffickers at a San Diego restaurant. The three reportedly discussed plans of transporting a large load of drugs, which signaled an impending smuggling operation to authorities.
Officials have reported that this was the first large drug smuggling operation done in a tunnel.
"We see a super tunnel open for business once every year or so," said U.S. Atty. Laura Duff. "Just when they think they're ready to move, we put it out of business."
No official report as to which drug trafficking organization is responsible for the tunnel has been released by authorities, but the region is known to be controlled by the Mexican Sinaloa cartel led by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who reportedly escaped from a Mexican maximum-security prison through a tunnel in July.
The suspects arrested by Mexican authorities claimed they had ties with a mafia operating in Jalisco, which authorities know is controlled by the Jalisco New Generation cartel.
The confiscated 873 packages of marijuana were found wrapped with plastic and tape.
The arrested suspects were caught off-guard and no gun shots were fired during the operation.
