Underground Drug Tunnel Discovered in San Diego

A newly discovered tunnel linking Tijuana and San Diego is believed to have been used for smuggling drugs, weapons, and people across the U.S.-Mexico border, according to authorities. Investigators seized drugs valued at approximately $45 million during the operation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in San Diego reported seizing over $67 million in illegal drugs in July, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CBP’s San Diego Field Office, overseeing seven California-Mexico border ports of entry, conducted these operations as part of efforts to secure the southern border.

“Day after day, our officers remain steadfast in their mission to protect our communities and secure our borders,” stated Sidney Aki, Director of Field Operations for CBP San Diego. “These significant narcotics seizures demonstrate their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication to preventing dangerous drugs from entering the United States.”

Throughout July, officers in the San Diego office confiscated 8,359 pounds of drugs across 144 smuggling attempts. The hauls included:

• 553 pounds of fentanyl
• 36 pounds of heroin
• 2,572 pounds of cocaine
• 5,077 pounds of methamphetamine

Overall, these drugs had a street value estimated at $67 million, according to DHS.

In addition to these findings, a 22-year-old Mexican national was charged federally after being caught with 16 pounds of fentanyl hidden in an electric moped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. This fentanyl’s street value was nearly $240,000.

Separately, CBP halted a vehicle attempting to bring a rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube and other firearms from Arizona into Mexico. Authorities also confiscated four rifles, an AK-style pistol, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks, and 20 pistol grips.