U.S. authorities reported the discovery and closure of an
extensive clandestine tunnel used for drug trafficking, which directly
connected the city of Tijuana, Mexico, with the Otay Mesa area of California.
The passageway, which reached almost 900 meters in length, began under a house
in Mexican territory and ended a short distance from a commercial warehouse
located south of San Diego.
According to the Border Patrol, the tunnel was located in
April, when it was still under construction, although it was already at a
considerable stage of completion. Its infrastructure revealed a high degree of
sophistication: it was equipped with complete electrical installations, a
lighting system, artificial ventilation, and even rail tracks to facilitate the
transport of illicit cargo.
Initial investigations suggest the tunnel was built by the
Sinaloa Cartel, a criminal organization once led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Authorities believe the tunnel's purpose was to establish an efficient and
discreet drug trafficking route into the United States, taking advantage of its
advanced design and strategic location.
The operation to secure and seal the tunnel is ongoing,
while security agencies from both countries gather evidence and coordinate
efforts to determine the full extent of the network responsible for its
construction.