A First: Solar energy Narco Tunnel

Chivis Martinez -thank you Neal- From Excelsior 

A first of its type,  authorities reported finding a cross-border tunnel between Mexico and the United States with lighting and ventilation systems operated with solar energy.

The Drug Control Administration (DEA) and the National Security Investigations Office (HSI) jointly reported that the tunnel has a solar panel installation to light and ventilate the tunnel of almost 185 meters in length.

Indian nation

The tunnel passes from Jacumé, in the municipality of Mexicali, Baja California, to Jacumba, in eastern San Diego County, California, on lands of the Indian nation of Kumeyaay, extending  on both sides of the border.

The tunnel was discovered in Mexico by elements of the State Preventive Police (PEP) of Baja California and the military on September 19^th but the authorities did not enter the tunnel through the US  side until October 4.

No arrests were reported on either side.

The tunnel has a stretch of little more than 72 meters in length on the Mexican side and about 112 meters into California.

The two well openings descend into the ground about eleven meters.

In addition to the solar energy system for lighting and ventilation, the tunnel has a rail track for small mining wagons and two water pumping systems to clear waterlogged leaks.

Authorities did not attribute the tunnel to any particular criminal organization.