DRUG SMUGGLERS' TUNNEL FILLED WITH CONCRETE

TIERRA DEL SOL, Calif. -- Workers began destroying a tunnel beneath the
U.S.-Mexico border that authorities believe was used to smuggle tons of
marijuana and cocaine into California during the past two to three years.

A construction crew on Thursday began pouring concrete into the portion of
the 1,000-foot tunnel on U.S. soil.

An anonymous tip led authorities to the tunnel, which runs from the eastern
outskirts of Tecate, Mexico, to a private home in Tierra del Sol, a rural
community 60 miles east of San Diego. U.S. officials found 500 pounds of
marijuana near the entrance of the tunnel when agents entered it through
the empty home Feb. 27. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration originally
planned to destroy the tunnel with explosives. Officials changed their
minds out of environmental concerns and the U.S. landowner's fear that it
would reduce the value of his property.

The owner said he was not aware of the tunnel and was not charged in the case.