One of the largest drug tunnels burrowed under the U.S.-Mexico border was busted by the cops Thursday, along with 12-tons of marijuana.
The 2,400 feet long tunnel going from Tijuana, Mexico to San Diego was discovered by police Thursday, and is believed to be one of the most sophisticated and longest tunnels ever discovered, according to the Associated Press. The 30-feet-deep tunnel was outfitted with a railway system, electricity and was even ventilated.
Major drug tunnel found on US-Mexico border in California https://t.co/3u4qAOS3pP pic.twitter.com/T2a1eieVUP
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) October 23, 2015
“We see a super tunnel open for business once every year or so,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy told the Associated Press. “Just when they think they’re ready to move, we put it out of business. We continue to make good on our promise to relentlessly pursue and shut down any tunnel as soon as it opens.”
Both American and Mexican police busted a total of 22 people associated with the tunnel, and recovered 12 tons of marijuana. (RELATED: America’s Heroin Epidemic Fueled By Flood Of Illegal Immigrants)
Drug tunnel at US-Mexico border was lit, ventilated, equipped with a rail car system: https://t.co/ewvc5F6BUu pic.twitter.com/A8YnVPdQYp
— San Diego 6, The CW (@SanDiego6) October 22, 2015
The takedown occurred, according to the Associated Press, thanks to an undercover agent from the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations who infiltrated the unidentified drug cartel that ran the tunnel.
The agent reportedly struck a deal with the Mexican smugglers where they were supplied with trucks and drivers in exchange for $10,000. The cartel then unwittingly led police to its illegal underground passageway.
Police have not released which cartel ran the operation, but infamous Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s Mexican Sinaloa cartel controls the region where the passage was discovered, the Associated Press reported.. El Chapo escaped from a Mexican prison in July, and is still on the run. (RELATED: Who Is The Drug Lord Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman?)