DRUG-SMUGGLING TUNNEL FOUND ON CANADA BORDER

Authorities Shut Down A 360-foot Tunnel Dug Underneath The U.S.- Canadian
Border. Five People Were Arrested On Marijuana Trafficking Charges

SEATTLE - An elaborate tunnel crossing the U.S.-Canadian border 90 miles
north of here was shut down and three suspected drug-runners were arrested
this week after a months-long investigation by authorities in both
countries.

The tunnel, measuring nearly 100 yards long and equipped with electricity
and a ventilation system, began under a Quonset hut on the Canadian side and
led to an abandoned home in Lynden, just across the border. Police said the
suspects planned to use the passageway to smuggle marijuana and other drugs
into the United States.

More than 30 smuggling tunnels have been discovered over the years at the
U.S.-Mexico border. This is the first such discovery on America's northern
border.

''Whether it is used to smuggle drugs, contraband or terrorists . . . the
presence of a tunnel on our northern border threatens the security of both
countries,'' said John McKay, U.S. attorney in Seattle.

The suspects arrested Wednesday were Francis D. Raj, 30; Timothy Woo, 34;
and Johnathan Valenzuela, 27, all of Surrey, British Columbia. On Thursday,
they were charged in Seattle District Court with conspiracy to import
marijuana into the United States and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Two others were arrested July 16 for carrying marijuana that had been
transported through the tunnel. A Twin Falls, Idaho, woman was caught with
93 pounds of pot, and a Renton man with 110 pounds.

Police have not released their identities.