3 detained after 'sophisticated' drug tunnel found on U.S.-Mexico border

A drug tunnel has been discovered connecting San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, U.S. authorities said.

The latest border tunnel was discovered by investigators who have encountered a number of secret passages in recent years used for drug smuggling.

According to CBS News, three suspected drug runners for a Mexican organized crime cartel have been arrested in connection with the crime, and about 12 million dollars worth of marijuana and cocaine were seized, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said.

In a press statement, John Sandweg, acting director for ICE, said that they have succeeded in taking down a smuggling tunnel before it was fully operational.

U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said that the cartels have spent years and tens of millions of dollars trying in vain to create an underworld of secret passageways to move huge quantities of drugs at will.

About 325 pounds of cocaine were seized along with 17,292 pounds of marijuana, ICE said, adding that the tunnel, which had an electric rail system, lighting and ventilation, was recently completed.

The tunnel was shut down Wednesday night, before any drugs made it through undetected, authorities said.