DEC 02 --
SAN DIEGO – Mexican authorities, acting on information provided by federal investigators from the multi-agency San Diego Tunnel Task Force, conducted enforcement actions Wednesday targeting a sophisticated, but still incomplete underground passageway that originates in Tijuana, Mexico, and extends more than 860 feet into the United States.
The tunnel, which measures just under 1,000 feet in length overall and reaches a depth of 90 to 100 feet, did not have an entry point in the United States. The passageway has lighting, electrical and ventilation systems and is equipped with an elevator. When Mexican authorities entered the passageway Wednesday morning in Tijuana, they encountered more than a dozen individuals who were subsequently taken into custody. All of those arrested are believed to be Mexican citizens.
“The discovery of this unfinished tunnel bears witness to the extraordinary cooperation between all agencies involved in the task force and the Government of Mexico,” says Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Ralph W. Partridge. “It is extremely important to the San Diego area and the entire United States that this cooperative effort stopped the completion of this drug smuggling corridor before even an ounce of drugs could be transported through it.”
Initial reports indicate the tunnel has been under construction for approximately two years. So far, there have been no arrests in the United States, but the investigation is ongoing.
“The fact we found this tunnel before it could be completed is a testament to the extraordinary work of the Tunnel Task Force,” said Michael Carney, acting special agent in charge for the ICE Office of Investigations in San Diego. “As a result of our proactive efforts, we are detecting more and more of these tunnels before they can be finished and put to use by criminal organizations involved in smuggling drugs and other contraband.”
“This result clearly reflects the commitment put forth by the government of Mexico to confront cross-border threats and build upon the bilateral partnerships established with U.S. law enforcement agencies,” said San Diego Border Patrol Sector Chief Michael Fisher.
No photos of the tunnel are currently available. If we receive pictures, we will forward them to the news organizations on our media list.
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