Mexican authorities have uncovered a sophisticated underground tunnel near the US-Mexico border that investigators believe may connect the city of Tijuana with a location in San Diego. The discovery was made during a search operation at a property in Tijuana’s Nueva Tijuana neighborhood as part of an investigation into suspected firearms, explosives and drug-related offenses.
According to officials, the tunnel extended approximately 265 metres (870 feet) and reached a depth of about 6.3 metres (21 feet). Investigators found that it was equipped with lighting, ventilation systems, and an electronic transport mechanism designed to move items between the two sides of the border.
Authorities suspect the property served as a logistics and storage hub for illegal activities, including the trafficking of firearms, explosives and narcotics. During the operation, investigators recovered ammunition, suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, mobile phones and various documents.
The tunnel was identified through intelligence-led work conducted by Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Agency in coordination with the country’s Security Cabinet. Officials are continuing to examine whether it directly connects to a street in San Diego.
Commenting on the development, California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “California’s @TheCalGuard Counter Drug Task Force proudly supported the discovery of this illegal San Diego-Tijuana tunnel and helped seize 1,000kg of cocaine valued at $45+ million.”
