DRUG TUNNEL FILLED, DARKENED FOR GOOD

A 110-metre tunnel that was used for drug deliveries from Canada to the
U.S., was being filled in this week.

But the Americans are taking a different approach than the Canadians.

Whatcom County public works personnel had a back hoe and were digging up a
large portion of Boundary Road, near the Aldergrove border crossing, putting
the Washington state road out of commission.

After a few feet, the back hoe hit some lumber that was used as a frame for
a tunnel that was located three metres below the ground. Some of that lumber
was taken away by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

"We're removing all the wood under the road, and filling the rest with
concrete tomorrow," said Chris Brueske, of Whatcom Country Public Works, a
project expected to cost $10,000 US for 20 metres of the tunnel, with 40 to
go.

The Township of Langley, on the other hand, is expected to undertake minimal
excavation, by drilling three holes and injecting concrete at the centre
point, into a 45-metre portion of the 50 metre Canadian section of the
tunnel.

Clive Roberts, Langley Township manager of design and construction, said the
Canadian project is expected to cost about $30,000, will leave 0 Avenue
undisturbed, and is modest in size compared to the U.S. undertaking.

"For some reason, (the DEA) was keen to get the timber out of the ground.
The DEA was very anxious to take the timber out and take it away," he said.

The excavation attracted about 20 media on both sides of the border, and
representatives from the DEA and the RCMP.

A representative from the DEA expects there will be additional arrests in
connection with what is considered an operation connected to organized
crime.

"Our goal is to take out the biggest piece in this crime organization, said
Rodney G. Benson, special agent in charge of Seattle Field Division.

Francis Devandra Raj, 30, Timothy Woo, 34 and Jonathan Valenzuela 27, were
arrested on the U.S. side of the border July 20 and charged with conspiracy
to distribute and import marijuana.

They are being held in Washington state, and have a trial date in Seattle
Sept. 26.