Torch Cutter and Gas Tanks Found in Border Tunnel

El Paso
posted by Crystal Gutierrez KDBC 4 News


A smuggling attempt was foiled by Border Patrol, Sunday afternoon.

Border Patrol said an agent stumbled upon some heavy duty equipment sticking out of a tunnel on Border Highway.

The tunnel starts in Mexico and ends in the U.S., past the border fences and right under the noses of Border Patrol.

The agent found a torch cutter and tanks of gas inside the tunnel.

Shortly after the Border Patrol tunnel team was quickly called out, along with the fire department.

Border Patrol said the grate was not cut and not one person was found inside the tunnel, at least not yet.

Surprisingly, this type of find happens quite often.

Border patrol said this type of smuggling, whether it be human or drug smuggling, is quite dangerous.

Last year, Border Patrol made 119 water rescues from canals and drainage tunnels.

This year, they've already made 37 water rescues.

Since the grate was not cut there was no need for repairs. However, now that Border Patrol agents know that area is a hot spot, they'll be keeping an eye on the tunnel.