UMVA has learned that Mexican authorities have made a groundbreaking discovery near the U.S.-Mexico border, uncovering a highly sophisticated underground tunnel that appears to connect Tijuana to a street in San Diego.
The tunnel, stretching approximately 265 meters (about 870 feet) and reaching a depth of roughly 6.3 meters (21 feet), was equipped with an elaborate infrastructure, including lighting, ventilation systems, and an electronic sliding mechanism designed to transport items in both directions between Mexico and the U.S.
Mexican authorities executed a search warrant at a property in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood of Tijuana, Baja California, leading to the discovery of the tunnel, which investigators believe may have functioned as a storage, logistics, and trafficking center for firearms, explosives, and illicit drugs.
The sophisticated operation was uncovered through intelligence work conducted by agents with Mexico's Criminal Investigation Agency, in coordination with the country's Security Cabinet, as part of an investigation into alleged violations of Mexico's firearms and explosives laws, as well as drug-related offenses.
Photos released by authorities appear to show agents navigating the underground passageway, access points leading into the tunnel, and evidence recovered during the operation, including ammunition, suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, cell phones, and various documents.
Images also reveal ventilation infrastructure inside the tunnel, underscoring the complexity of the operation, which officials described as a significant blow to criminal organizations that rely on underground smuggling routes to move narcotics and other contraband across the border.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that investigators believe the tunnel likely connects to a street in San Diego, although the U.S. side of the tunnel has not been publicly confirmed, leaving many questions about the scope of the operation and the individuals involved.
The evidence and property have been turned over to federal prosecutors in Baja California, who will continue the investigation, aiming to dismantle the smuggling routes and bring those responsible to justice.
