Former DEA Agent Warns of Cartel Cover-Ups in Drug Trafficking Tunnels

Mexican drug cartels have significantly expanded their operations by constructing numerous tunnels equipped with rail and cart systems to transport illegal drugs beneath the U.S. border. This development presents a considerable challenge for the Trump administration, which seeks to address the escalating flow of narcotics into the country.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports that the majority of illicit drugs entering the United States are smuggled through vehicles at southern border entry points. However, some drugs bypass traditional routes, using cross-border tunnels and underground passageways instead.

Former President Donald Trump has consistently pledged to stop the influx of illegal drugs, implementing measures like a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. As highlighted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 107,941 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022 alone.

DEA’s Tunnel Busting Strategies

Michael Brown, a former Senior Special Agent with the DEA and currently the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices, emphasized the agency’s tough stance on drug trafficking tunnels. According to Brown, authorities often resort to destroying these underground passages, making them inoperable.

Brown asserted that agencies like the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations need to enhance their efforts in uncovering these clandestine tunnels. He indicated that they must focus on detecting what he calls “cover-ups,” which are innocuous-looking storefronts or warehouses concealing tunnel entrances.

“These tunnels often have establishments built above them, such as a pizza shop or a mechanic’s garage that attempt to disguise their true purpose,” Brown explained. “Identifying these locations in areas like Eagle Pass or Brownsville, Texas, can be particularly challenging.”

Identifying Sources for Better Enforcement

Brown expressed that with the right approach, federal agencies can trace the origins of these tunnel networks and uncover potential U.S. connections.

He suggested that instead of merely recruiting individuals for information, agencies should consider offering financial incentives directly linked to intelligence about the tunnels’ operations. This strategy could lead to more effective responses to the drug trafficking situation.

Border Crossing Statistics and Challenges

As Trump returned to office, reports indicated a significant decrease in border crossings. For instance, there were 7,287 migrant encounters within the first week following Trump’s inauguration. This marked a stark contrast to the 20,086 encounters experienced in the final week of the Biden administration, highlighting a decrease in daily averages as well.

Brown noted the surprising nature of this decline in encounters but cautioned that the existence of tunnels still presents a serious problem for U.S. authorities.

The Historical Context of Tunnels in War

Subterranean passageways have a long history, as metaphorical and literal pathways in conflict scenarios. Brown referenced the extensive use of tunnels during the Vietnam War and, more recently, Hamas’ intricate tunnel systems in Gaza.

Interestingly, he pointed out that drug cartels may possess even greater financial resources compared to Hamas, stating, “Cartels have billions of dollars, enabling them to build complex tunnel networks far more sophisticated than those of terror groups.”

The Complexity of Cartel Tunnels

These tunnels are not rudimentary structures; they are elaborate networks described by Brown as “underground cities.” These complexes potentially include air vents, office space, arms repositories, and railway lines to facilitate drug movement.

U.S. Response to Tunnel Activity

Brown noted that the U.S. may not take drastic measures akin to those employed by the Israel Defense Forces when dismantling the elaborate tunnel networks used by groups such as Hamas. Following a recent attack, the IDF engaged in extensive operations to destroy these tunnels, including flooding strategies to drive out operatives hiding underground.

Brown speculated on the potential shift in American attitudes towards tunnel destruction if the U.S. were to experience continuous terrorist attacks comparable to Israel’s situation.

A Call for Continued Vigilance

In light of these developments, experts urge U.S. agencies to remain vigilant against the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels and their network of subterranean tunnels. Brown’s insights shed light on the complexities involved in identifying and dismantling these operations.

Fox News Digital has requested comments from the DEA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations to gain further insight into this pressing issue.

Report contributed by Adam Shaw, Fox News Digital.