Agencies Work Together to Find More Drug Tunnels in Arizona

Tucson, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents working in cooperation with local and federal law enforcement agencies identified two new clandestine tunnels over the weekend near downtown Nogales, Ariz. This adds to the tunnel found by Border Patrol agents on Thursday.

Following the discovery of a man-made illicit tunnel a foot away from the International Boundary fence on Thursday by Border Patrol agents, Nogales police officers patrolling an area near downtown Nogales discovered another tunnel. The Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were contacted.

The tunnel’s exit was located east of the DeConcini Port of Entry, and 8 feet north of the International Boundary fence and was estimated to be about 20 inches wide and 10 feet long. The exit point of the tunnel was covered with a piece of plywood and weeds. With the use of modern technology agents were able to find the origin of the tunnel. In coordination with Mexican authorities, the origin of the tunnel was determined to be approximately 2 feet south of the International Boundary fence on the Mexican side.

The following day Nogales police officers conducting patrol under a government-funded program to help combat illegal immigration notified Border Patrol of another tunnel west of the DeConcini Port Of Entry along International Street in Nogales. The exit to the tunnel was approximately 16 inches wide and 3 feet in diameter. The origin of the tunnel is believed to be in the Grand Tunnel area. Nogales Border Patrol station agents will guard the tunnel exits until a permanent remediation has been completed.

Both the Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customs enforcement have been notified of the discoveries. Between fiscal years 2003 and 2008, 34 separate tunnels have been identified and filled within the Tucson Sector. So far during fiscal year 2009, six tunnels have been discovered.

In response to effective border security efforts and the continued partnership with Department of Homeland Security Agencies and Local Law Enforcement, smugglers are resorting to more sophisticated and dangerous methods to smuggle humans, drugs and other contraband. Clandestine tunnels continue to compromise the structural integrity of our infrastructure and its intended design.