(CNSNews.com) -- The number of tunnels being used to smuggle illegal drugs across the Southwestern border grew by more than half from 2008 to 2009, according to a March 25 report from the National Drug Intelligence Center.
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents stationed along U.S.-Mexico border discovered 26 illegal tunnels -- a 60 percent increase over the 16 tunnels that authorities discovered in 2008.
Most of the subterranean routes were discovered in Arizona, with 20 found in the "Tucson Sector" -- a 262-mile long section of the border from the New Mexico state line to Yuma County, Ariz., the NDIC reported in its 2010 annual drug assessment.
| A good thing Arizona has decided to take over their own border/illegal alien enforcement. This report gives them direction to aim their efforts beyond arresting illegals and their traffickers. I wonder what the local university geology and/or anthropology departments could contribute to the tunnel-finding effort, using their earth-penetrating radar equipment? |
The NDIC assessment highlighted steps that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has taken to combat the proliferation of underground tunnels along the southwest border, which include interfering with groups or individuals attempting to build tunnels in the sewer system beneath Nogales, Ariz.
"In February 2009, CBP initiated a program designed to impede the construction of tunnels in Nogales's extensive drainage system. The initiative involved the construction of a 12-foot-deep steel and concrete underground wall that extends 100 yards along the border near the DeConcini POE (port of entry) in Nogales," the NDIC.
Twelve feet deep? Aren't the Egyptians going something like 60' deep along the Gaza border, with the help of the U.S. Army CoptsCorps of Engineers? |
Tunnel passageways found under the California and Arizona border with Mexico undermine the "virtual fence," which are cameras and sensors being placed along the southwest border in an effort to deter illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
| Several U.S. senators have recently challenged the entire "virtual fence" concept, suggesting that a physical fence would be a much more effective investment. |
In June 2009, U.S. Border Patrol agents uncovered a massive elaborate tunnel through the southwest border, measuring 48 feet in the U.S. and 35 feet in the Mexico. The tunnel had wooden framed walls and ceiling construction, as well as electrical wire, ventilation, and lighting.
| We had an article here about it at the time, but I don't remember whether it was more than 12' below the surface. |
There were five underground tunnels found in California in FY 2009, four of which were discovered in San Diego.
| Perhaps San Diego can do something about it, applying techniques developed in Arizona. Goodness knows the great state of California hasn't the funds or the inclination to deal with the issue. |
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