U.S. Border Patrol Disables Nearly 3,000-Foot-Long Narcotics Smuggling Tunnel Beneath US-Mexico Border

In a significant blow to cross-border narcotics trafficking, U.S. Border Patrol agents recently discovered and disabled an elaborate nearly 3,000-foot-long tunnel that was being constructed beneath the U.S.-Mexico border, connecting Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, California.

The underground tunnel, uncovered in early April while still under construction, was designed to facilitate the smuggling of large quantities of contraband between the two countries. According to an announcement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the tunnel ran underneath part of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and was projected to exit near or inside a commercial warehouse in San Diego.

Officials described the tunnel as “highly sophisticated,” noting that authorities encountered barricades at its entrance, likely placed to prevent detection by law enforcement.

The tunnel measured an impressive 2,918 feet in length, approximately 42 inches in height, and 28 inches in width, reaching depths of nearly 50 feet below ground at its deepest point. It was equipped with essential infrastructure including lighting, electrical wiring, ventilation systems, and a track system designed for transporting large volumes of narcotics and other illicit goods efficiently.

The entrance to the tunnel was discovered inside a residential house in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood in Tijuana. Authorities observed that the tunnel entrance had recently been concealed with freshly laid tile, underscoring the efforts to keep the tunnel hidden.

“This discovery demonstrates the lengths to which foreign traffickers will go to evade detection,” said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector. “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. Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives.”

Since 1993, over 95 tunnels in the San Diego area have been decommissioned, highlighting a long-standing battle against sophisticated smuggling operations.

Authorities from U.S. Border Patrol worked closely with Homeland Security Investigations and Mexican government officials to uncover and disable the tunnel. Following its discovery, thousands of gallons of concrete will be poured into the passage to permanently seal it and prevent future use by traffickers or foreign terrorist organizations.

The dismantling of this tunnel marks a key victory in ongoing efforts to secure the border and combat the illegal narcotics trade that fuels violence and crime on both sides.

CBP has yet to issue further comments on the tunnel’s discovery and the ongoing investigation.