Drug Smuggling Tunnel Discovered Connecting San Diego Warehouse to Mexico

[G.L.R.]

A Drug Smuggling Tunnel Was Discovered Connecting San Diego Warehouse to Mexico

May 17, 2022



Tunnel  has ventilation system, reinforced walls, electricity and rail system;  authorities charge six people for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Six  people are in custody after investigators discovered a massive drug  tunnel connecting a home in Tijuana to an Otay Mesa warehouse. The  tunnel stretches 1,744 feet long, is 61 feet deep, four feet in diameter, and is located just 300 feet from the border fence.As part of the investigation, 1,762 pounds of cocaine, 164 pounds of  meth and three and a half pounds of heroine were seized, estimated to be  worth $25 million. "The tunnel was found because of good old fashion police work," said US Attorney, Randy Grossman.Grossman said investigators were doing surveillance of a residence in  National City, which had been used as a stash house in a separate drug  smuggling case back in March.They were watching the home on Thursday when they noticed people  coming and going, which eventually led them to a warehouse in Via De La  Amistad in Otay Mesa.

The  tunnel stretches 1,744 feet long, is 61 feet deep, four feet in  diameter, and is located just 300 feet from the border fence.

"We allege our defendants were driving into the garage and dropping  off and loading boxes full of drugs to further the movement and  distribution of drugs throughout the United States. Federal agents were  watching the whole time," said Grossman.While it's not known how long the tunnel has been here, investigators  say it's sophisticated with a railing system, steel shoring,  electricity, and ventilation. Six people have been arrested and charged with three counts of conspiracy to distribute drugs. Each charge carries a minimum 10-year sentence.The defendants, who were set to be arraigned on Monday in San Diego federal court are:

   
• Mario Jaramillo, 55, of Huntington Beach
• Adrian Enriquez, 31, of Perris
• Manuel Perez, 49, of San Diego
• Juan Cruz, 48, of San Ysidro
• Vanessa Ramirez, 31, of San Diego
• Luz de Luna Olmos, 43, of San Diego

Since 1993, 90 tunnels have been discovered in the Southern California region. The last time it happened was in 2020.The agencies who took part in this raid include Homeland Security,  the San Diego Sheriff's Department and the United States Border Patrol.

One of 90 tunnels discovered in southern California

A Drug Smuggling Tunnel Was Discovered Connecting San Diego Warehouse to Mexico - WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-drug-smuggling-tunnel-was-discovered-connecting-san-diego-warehouse-to-mexico-11652799301