Homeland Security uncovers drug tunnel and hundreds of pounds of drugs
2 Mexican nationals arrested
NOGALES, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT KECY) - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) have uncovered a sophisticated drug tunnel and a massive cache of illegal drugs.
Agents made the discovery late Tuesday night while executing a search warrant on a home in Nogales, Arizona.
They say the tunnel ran eight-feet below ground, and extended more than 80-feet across the border. They say smugglers expanded and reinforced an existing wastewater pipeline, and even added a sophisticated ventilation system. Based up on the advanced construction, agents believe smugglers have been using the passageway for at least several months.
HSI and BEST also recovered more than hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs including:
- 200-pounds of methamphetamine
- 2-pounds of white heroin
- 3-pounds of cocaine
- 6.5-pounds of fentanyl
Agents began their investigation earlier this year after getting information that smugglers may be using the area's wastewater system to transport large quantities of drugs.
Two Mexican nationals, Jovany Robledo-Delgado and Jesus Martinez Selgado, now face federal charges of possession and conspiracy to distribute hard narcotics. Both faced a federal judge in Tucson on Wednesday afternoon.
