TONS OF DRUGS FOUND IN MAJOR DRUG TUNNEL AT US-MEXICO BORDER

Photo: San Diego 6 news partner Channel 12

By San Diego 6 News Team
By SD6 Laura Nguyen
By Associated Press
Story Published: Oct 22, 2015 at 10:11 AM PDT
Story Updated: Oct 22, 2015 at 11:22 AM PDT

OTAY MESA - About 10 tons of marijuana were discovered inside a tunnel built to smuggle drugs from Tijuana to San Diego, Mexican authorities said Thursday.

According to Mexican authorities, 10 tons of marijuana were confiscated from that side of the border. Authorities say the marijuana was wrapped in 873 packages.

Mexican authorities also say 16 people between the ages of 21 and 50, all from the state of Sinaloa, were detained on suspicion of drug trafficking.

They say the tunnel was about 10 (32 feet) meters deep and 800 meters (2,600 feet) long.

Mexican authorities report the tunnel was lit, ventilated, equipped with a rail car system, and lined with metal beams to prevent collapse.

Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers taped off a building at 2587 Otay Center Dr. near Siempre Viva Road late Wednesday night, according to 10News.

SanDiego 6 shows video taken by Eligio Hernandez at the scene Wednesday night.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not confirmed any information, including if the tunnel has an exit in the U.S.

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/...in-tunnel.html