Border security

Cross-Border Tunnel Found In USA

Here in Israel, we know all too well the dangers cross-border tunnels pose. It seems we are not alone in realising this danger. More than 600 kg of of cannabis smuggled via tunnel from Mexico to California was seized in Los Angeles on 28 February this year. US authorities have discovered more than 75 tunnels along the US-Mexico border in the last five years.

The tunnel in question extended about 275 m into Mexico and and some 91 m into a lot on US soil that was purchased last April. A three-bedroom house was built on the property by December, and the smuggling operation commenced.

“This house and tunnel were constructed under the watchful eye of law enforcement,” said Laura Duffy, US attorney for the Southern District of California.

Investigators were apparently aware that Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, led by the infamous Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, were looking to construct more smuggling routes in the area.