SAN DIEGO, April 4 (UPI) -- Two sophisticated tunnels have been found connecting warehouses in Tijuana, Mexico, and Otay Mesa, Calif., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Friday.
The tunnels, believed to be used by drug smugglers, had lights and rail track, Derek Benner, a special agent in charge in San Diego said. One had a pulley system at the U.S. end so items could be pulled out easily.
Authorities announced one arrest, Glennys Rodriguez, 73, of Chula Vista, Calif. She allegedly was in charge of operations at one of the Otay Mesa warehouses, which was filled with toys and televisions.
Federal investigators have reported finding about 80 smuggling tunnels between Mexico and the United States since 2006. Most were on the California and Arizona borders.
In the San Diego area, more than 100 tons of drugs have been seized in four years, which authorities believe was moved into California via tunnels.
Benner said drug traffickers have stopped storing large amounts of narcotics in tunnels, instead moving smaller amounts quickly across the border.
