Assuming – for argument’s sake – law enforcement finds all of these tunnels eventually – each completed tunnel which is found presumably is a conduit for some amount of contraband; further, tunnels are only one capital-intensive way of moving profitable loads of banned goods (submersible and small submarines being another example). How does it make economic sense to build a tunnel which will, eventually and inevitably be discovered, wasting the capital investment? Because the illegality of the drugs creates artificially high prices, generating sufficient revenues to build tunnels, bribe government officials, and buy submarines.
A methodical terrorist who could make a deal with a drug smuggler could easily piggy-back a load of weapons, explosives or personnel. NB: the September 11th attacks were conducted by 19 people who, as far as we know, acquired whatever weapons they needed within the United States. If we want to shut down the narco gangsters, and plug these holes in our border security, we’re going to have to take the profit out of it. That means, we think, decriminalizing, regulating, and taxing illegal drugs. In the meantime, courtesy of the BBC, the latest border tunnel:
US officials say they have uncovered a major drug-smuggling tunnel under the border with Mexico and seized an estimated 14 tons of marijuana. Customs officials said the tunnel linked warehouses in Tijuana, Mexico, and Otay Mesa, in California. Pictures of the tunnel showed wooden supports and electric cables indicative of lighting and ventilation systems. Dozens of such tunnels have been found in recent years as US police have cracked down on overland smuggling. More than 30 have been discovered this year, Mexican authorities said, according to AFP news agency. The tunnels are also used to smuggle illegal migrants into the US. Nine or 10 tons of marijuana was found on the US side of the tunnel while Mexican police seized five tons on their end, said Derek Benner, a special agent with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The tunnel was estimated at 400 yards (365m) in length but it was not clear how deep or wide it was. Other tunnels found by US police have included tracks, lights and ventilation systems.
US police find ‘major drug tunnel’ under Mexico border (via BBC)