By Zoila Palma: United States authorities have uncovered a sophisticated cross-border tunnel running beneath the US-Mexico border into California, allegedly used to smuggle more than $45 million worth of cocaine, officials said.
The tunnel stretches from the Mexican city of Tijuana to an outlet near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and emerges inside a retail store identified as “Buy 4 Less.”
Authorities estimate it is about 1,933 feet (590 meters) long, 55 feet (16.8 meters) deep, and up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in height, AFP reports.
Investigators say the underground passage was engineered with reinforced walls, ventilation and electrical systems, rail tracks, and a hydraulic lift for access.
Officials described it as a highly organized operation, with video evidence showing concrete steps leading into a carefully constructed structure carved through rock with a concrete floor.
Following months of surveillance by Homeland Security investigators, law enforcement officers discovered more than 1,000 kilograms (over 2,200 pounds) of cocaine believed to have been moved through the tunnel before being loaded onto trucks. Four individuals — two from San Diego and two from Mexico — have since been charged in connection with the case.
The post International News: U.S. uncovers major drug tunnel used to smuggle cocaine across Mexico border appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: United States authorities have uncovered a sophisticated cross-border tunnel running beneath the US-Mexico border into California, allegedly used to smuggle more than $45 million worth of cocaine, officials said. The tunnel stretches from the Mexican city of Tijuana to an outlet near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and emerges inside a
The post International News: U.S. uncovers major drug tunnel used to smuggle cocaine across Mexico border appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
