TIJUANA, Mexico, — Mexican authorities have unearthed a 600-metre drug smuggling tunnel beneath the U.S. border, the second such find in the same area this month.
The 15-foot-deep tunnel found on Tuesday was similar to another tunnel found on November 16, and contained both lighting and transport carts, indicating the growing technical sophistication of the country’s powerful drug cartels.
“The tunnel was located after we were informed of it by US authorities,” who had found the other end of the passage in nearby San Ysidro, California, Tijuana police chief Ricardo Garduno told AFP.
Security forces who took part in the raid said three tons of marijuana were uncovered inside the tunnel.
The entrance to the tunnel on the Mexican side was found some 100 metres from the local headquarters of the federal police, a military air base and a customs office, according to an AFP reporter.
On November 16 U.S. authorities announced the discovery of a “major” drug smuggling tunnel under the border running some 400 metres and containing electricity and a ventilation system.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 5:22 pm
by Crackpot
Just wait till we start sneaking over the brder for your healthcare.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 5:50 pm
by Liberty1
A wall/fence wouldn't be perfect, they've discovered numerous tunnels down in San Diego over the years. But it would still be worth it. Israel's homicide bomber problem is almost zero since they put their fence up. And for some reason, there's a wall around the Whitehouse, it must be for some reason.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:02 pm
by Scooter
And yet someone was still able to get a clear shot at a window a few days ago...
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:13 pm
by Liberty1
True, like I said, it's not perfect.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:21 pm
by Scooter
Except that once you've spent $10 billion it's a little late when you realize it doesn't work.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:31 pm
by dgs49
There has been a wall at Tijuana for years - maybe decades.
But the U.S. is very keen to find new superfluous civil works projects. They may seem like a waste of money we don't have, but it is easy to overlook the multiplicative effects of "stimulating" the economy.
Isn't it odd how a strong majority of the U.S. population favors legalization of pot, but it never really gets off the ground? Considering the potential tax benefits, public safety benefits, the blow to organized crime both here and in Mexico, it seems like a "no brainer," but alas...
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:34 pm
by Scooter
There's too much money to be made in anti-drug enforcement.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:56 pm
by loCAtek
If legal medical marihuana was supposed to eliminate the drug trade; then why were three tons being smuggled into California?
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:12 pm
by Scooter
Your question is based on a false premise.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:26 pm
by Gob
"It is clearly the most sophisticated tunnel that we have found in the last five years, perhaps ever," a US police spokeswoman in San Diego said.
A similar tunnel was discovered in the area two weeks ago, adding to dozens that have been found in recent years.
Local media describe Otay Mesa as a busy area containing many warehouses, making it easier for smugglers.
The tunnel is 15ft (4.5m) deep and contains both lighting and transport carts, AFP news agency reports.
The tunnel extends twice as far into the US as it does into Mexico
Mexican security forces found the entrance in a Tijuana warehouse after being alerted to the discovery by the US authorities.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 1:26 am
by Andrew D
Maybe they should be wondering why the wall doesn't have a 100-foot-deep foundation ....
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 1:30 am
by rubato
Andrew D wrote:Maybe they should be wondering why the wall doesn't have a 100-foot-deep foundation ....
Right, that would only increase the costs by 100x. And tell the drug gangs that a tunnel 110 feet deep would be clear sailing.
yrs,
rubato
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 1:43 am
by Scooter
It would take about 635 feet of tunnel at a 10 degree slope to get down to 110 feet, and I suspect that existing tunnel entrances are at least that far from the wall already.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 3:38 am
by quaddriver
Scooter wrote:And yet someone was still able to get a clear shot at a window a few days ago...
from 300 yards away, not 10.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 3:53 am
by Rick
Scooter wrote:It would take about 635 feet of tunnel at a 10 degree slope to get down to 110 feet, and I suspect that existing tunnel entrances are at least that far from the wall already.
wouldn't they just jack through?
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 4:19 am
by loCAtek
Scooter wrote:And yet someone was still able to get a clear shot at a window a few days ago...
It was 'Spray and Pray' ...while Obama wasn't home.
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 4:20 am
by Gob
Jack through?????
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 4:31 am
by Sean
Yes.
Apparently a better idea than relying on Stevie Nicks to help you through...
Re: And people wonder why building a wall would be pointless
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 5:15 am
by Andrew D
Scooter wrote:It would take about 635 feet of tunnel at a 10 degree slope to get down to 110 feet, and I suspect that existing tunnel entrances are at least that far from the wall already.
It would also require designing and constructing a tunnel to withstand the weight of 110 feet of rock and soil pressing down on it. And it would require design and construction to deal with ventilation issues, water-table issues, and a host of other issues common to mine-tunnel projects.
