Drug tunnel discovered in Tijuana by CBP, courtesy of CBP
San Diego, California – In a striking reminder that old smuggling methods persist into the 21st century, U.S. Border Patrol agents uncovered a nearly 3,000-foot-long drug smuggling tunnel connecting San Diego and Tijuana in early April. The discovery highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating cross-border narcotics trafficking, despite technological advances and intensified security efforts.
The tunnel, still under construction when discovered, extended more than 1,000 feet beneath U.S. soil near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and reached a concealed exit point close to a commercial warehouse. Border Patrol officials revealed the tunnel was outfitted with sophisticated features including electrical wiring, lighting, ventilation systems, and a rail track designed to facilitate the rapid movement of contraband. These details underscore the scale and complexity of the operation—reminding observers that drug traffickers continue to invest significant resources into these underground routes.
Measuring 2,918 feet in length, the tunnel ranged roughly 42 inches in height and 28 inches in width, and at its deepest point ran approximately 50 feet underground. Authorities encountered barricades placed by tunnel workers meant to slow agents’ progress and mask the tunnel’s origin. The entrance to the tunnel was found concealed inside a residence in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood, with Mexican authorities serving a warrant at the location. The tunnel entrance was hidden beneath freshly laid tiles, demonstrating the careful efforts traffickers use to avoid detection.
The tunnel is now slated for immediate remediation, with contractors expected to pour thousands of gallons of concrete to permanently seal the passage.
While the discovery may seem like a scene from a bygone era of smuggling, drug tunnels remain a persistent problem along the U.S.-Mexico border. Since 1993, more than 95 tunnels have been discovered and shut down in the San Diego area alone. The persistence of these underground routes serves as a stark reminder that drug smuggling networks remain resourceful and determined.
As officials continue to bolster air and maritime border security, the threat posed by underground tunnels persists—raising concerns not only about drug trafficking but also the potential use of such tunnels by other illicit groups.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to tunnels or other border security threats by calling 911 or the San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
Though the tunnel’s discovery marks a significant disruption to narcotics smuggling, the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between traffickers and law enforcement continues beneath the surface, posing complex challenges for border security in California and beyond.
