Authorities Discover Underground Tunnel Near U.S.-Mexico Border

<p>Mexican authorities have discovered an underground tunnel near the U.S.-Mexico border, which is believed to connect Tijuana to a street in San Diego. The tunnel was found during a search warrant executed at a property in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood of Tijuana, Baja California, as announced by Mexico's Attorney General's Office (FGR) on Saturday.</p><p>The tunnel measures approximately 265 meters (870 feet) in length and reaches a depth of about 6.3 meters (21 feet). It contains operational infrastructure, including lighting, ventilation systems, and an electronic sliding mechanism for transporting items between Mexico and the U.S.</p><p>The discovery was made through intelligence work by agents from the FGR's Criminal Investigation Agency in collaboration with Mexico's Security Cabinet. The search warrant was part of an investigation into potential violations of firearms and explosives laws, as well as drug-related offenses.</p><p>Authorities suspect that the property may have served as a storage and trafficking center for firearms, explosives, and illicit drugs. During the operation, investigators recovered ammunition, suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, cell phones, and various documents.</p><p>Photos released by the FGR show agents navigating the tunnel and evidence collected during the operation. The investigation suggests that the tunnel likely connects to a street in San Diego, although the specific location on the U.S. side has not been publicly identified.</p><p>Officials indicated that this discovery represents a significant challenge to criminal organizations that utilize underground smuggling routes for transporting narcotics and other contraband across the border. The evidence and property have been handed over to federal prosecutors in Baja California for further investigation.</p>