Mexican soldiers discover U.S.-Mexico drug tunnel

Mexican soldiers discover U.S.-Mexico drug tunnel

2011-08-14 10:42:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

TIJUANA, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- The Mexican army has discovered an unfinished drug tunnel which stretches from the Mexican city of Tijuana into the United States, officials said on Saturday.

Military officials said the tunnel, which was under construction, is about 298 meters (977 feet) long and is located behind Tijuana International Airport, about 100 meters (328 feet) from the border fence with the United States. At least 10 people, including a woman, who allegedly worked in the excavation, were arrested during the operation.

The detainees reportedly received a weekly salary of about 1,200 thousand pesos ($97) and are originally from the southern states of Chiapas and Michoacán and the northern state of Sonora. Two were born in Tijuana.

Mexican army General Alfonso Duarte said the discovery was made possible by an anonymous call. He explained that the tunnel had lighting and air conditioning, while the floor, walls and ceiling are made of wood.

Duarte added that the tunnel's entrance was hidden in a house, where there were candles and pictures of the "holy death." He didn't say which criminal organization was building the tunnel.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-08-14