Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2005
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Kurt Langmann

AUTHORITIES UNEARTH DRUG PIPELINE

Police have confirmed that three Surrey men were arrested by American
authorities on Wednesday as they emerged from a clandestine 110 metre-long
tunnel, the first of its kind to be found between Canada and the U.S.

Francis Devandra Raj, 30, Timothy Woo, 34, and Jonathan Valenzuela, 27,
appeared in a U.S. District Court in Seattle yesterday charged with
conspiracy to import and distribute marijuana and remain in custody.

U.S. Attorney John McKay said that after receiving a Canadian tip-off
authorities had watched the tunnel being constructed within shouting
distance of the Aldergrove-Lynden border crossing during an eight month
international surveillance operation.

Describing it as "sophisticated" McKay said the tunnel, which ran between a
steel-covered Quonset hut and a vacant Washington farmhouse, had been fitted
with ventilation, electric lights and wall braces.

DEA special agent Rod Benson said fears that the tunnel could have had "more
ominous" implications for cross-border security prompted Wednesday's sting
operation.

McKay said investigation on the U.S. side is ongoing and he expects further
charges will be laid against the three Canadian men and other suspects in
the U.S. "They were smart enough to build the tunnel but not smart enough
not to get caught," said McKay.
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