U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered a tunnel for smuggling narcotics running from Tijuana to San Diego, the department announced Wednesday.
The “highly sophisticated” tunnel, which ran more than 1,000 feet into the U.S., was outfitted with ventilation and electrical systems, including lighting and a rail track system for the mass transportation of drugs, according to a press release.
Border Patrol agents on the San Diego Sector Tunnel Team found the tunnel in April, as it was under construction, and made initial entry into the tunnel. Agents found the tunnel, which ran underneath part of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, had an exit point near commercial warehouse grounds. (RELATED: Trump Admin Let Zero Illegals Into The US In May)
Upon entry, officials found several barricades intended to prohibit the agents’ southbound travel and discovery of the Tijuana entrance point, the statement said.
On Monday, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Government of Mexico authorities located the entrance to the tunnel hidden in a Nueva Tijuana neighborhood house. After issuing a warrant at the residence, Mexican authorities discovered the entrance had recently been covered by tile flooring, according to the release.(RELATED: STEVE CORTES: Poll Shows Trump’s Immigration Agenda Hugely Popular)
The tunnel measured a total of 2,918 feet long and at its deepest point, ran approximately 50 feet underground, according to the press release. The interior dimensions measured 42 inches high and 28 inches wide.
“As we continue to strengthen the nation’s air, and maritime border security, it’s not surprising that foreign terrorist organizations would resort to underground routes,” Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector said.
In January, Border Patrol and HSI officers discovered a similar tunnel running under the El Paso, Texas border, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported.
The Texas tunnel was also equipped with electricity and a ventilation system, but at six feet tall and four feet wide, it measured much larger than this week’s discovery.
Officials will fill the San Diego tunnel with concrete, preventing Foreign Terrorist Organizations from using the tunnel, according to the release.
The tunnel is one of more than 95 that officials have discovered in the San Diego area since 1993, the release said.
“Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives,” Stalnaker said. “I’m grateful for the exceptional work of the Tunnel Team agents who placed themselves in danger, as well as the cooperation of our Mexican law enforcement partners.”
