U.S. authorities uncover an unfinished drug smuggling tunnel beneath the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
Three men from San Diego County have been arrested in connection with a federal investigation into the illegal sale of drugs and firearms. The defendants, aged 19 to 29, are accused of selling 40 firearms to undercover agents, including unregistered weapons intended for transport into Mexico. They also face charges related to selling fentanyl and methamphetamine. In a related case, authorities discovered an unfinished drug smuggling tunnel under the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking in the region.
The men are accused of selling a total of 40 firearms to undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in transactions that spanned from June 2024 to April 2025. Some of the firearms in question were reportedly lacking serial numbers, raising further concerns about their legality. The defendants were informed that the weapons were intended for transport into Mexico.
In addition to firearms, the three men are charged with selling illegal drugs, including substantial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. One significant transaction involved the sale of 1,000 fentanyl pills to the undercover agents. The defendants now face serious charges, including dealing firearms without a license, possession of machine guns, and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. They are expected to appear in federal court in San Diego on Friday morning for detention hearings.
In a separate but related incident, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents uncovered an unfinished narcotics smuggling tunnel measuring nearly 3,000 feet. This tunnel was found beneath the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, connecting to Tijuana. The tunnel was designed with a height of about 40 inches and width of 30 inches, along with a depth of approximately 50 feet. It was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, and a ventilation system, as well as a transport track intended for moving contraband.
Upon discovering the tunnel, Mexican authorities were notified, leading to a search warrant that located its point of origin within a home in Nueva Tijuana. It has been confirmed that the tunnel was still under construction and therefore not yet operational. According to Border Patrol agent Justin Castrejon, the tunnel was thoroughly mapped, revealing its route back to a residence in Nueva Tijuana.
Historically, San Diego has become a focal point for tunnel construction with approximately 95 tunnels discovered and decommissioned since the mid-1990s. Professor Victor Clark from San Diego State University provided insights into why this area has been targeted for tunnel construction. He noted that factors such as urban noise and high traffic levels influence drug traffickers’ decision-making, with a preference for avoiding migrant crossings to minimize the risk of leaks about crossing points.
Clark emphasized that while these tunnels have become more sophisticated, their usage for drug transport has declined in recent years. However, the DEA has warned that cartels may begin to resume tunnel usage as pressure increases on smugglers at border entries, indicating a potential resurgence in this method of drug trafficking.
In response to the latest tunnel discovery, Border Patrol agents have announced plans to pour concrete into the tunnel system to prevent any future use. As authorities continue to combat drug trafficking and arms sales, these recent arrests and discoveries underscore ongoing challenges in securing the border and addressing the illegal drug trade in the region.
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