

PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 12th, 2025: Drug Cartels Using Tunnels To Avoid Detection & An American Returns Home
6 snips Feb 12, 2025
The podcast dives into the ongoing battle against drug cartels, revealing the clever tunnel systems they use to circumvent border security despite efforts to reduce illegal crossings. It also highlights the emotional return of American teacher Marc Fogel, who spent years in a Russian prison under dubious charges. His release involved complex negotiations tied to international relations, including a notable prisoner exchange that underscores shifting dynamics between the U.S. and Russia amid geopolitical tensions.
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Cartel Tunnels
- The Trump administration's border crackdown shows progress, but cartels are using tunnels to smuggle.
- Hundreds of these tunnels exist, mostly in California and Arizona, posing a significant challenge.
Otay Mesa Megatunnel
- The 2022 Otay Mesa megatunnel, stretching over 1,700 feet with advanced features, exemplifies cartel sophistication.
- It highlights the cartel's resources and commitment to bypassing border security.
Cover-Ups
- Cartels utilize "cover-ups," seemingly normal buildings, to conceal tunnel entrances.
- These include trap doors, fake floors, and hydraulic lifts to maintain a low profile.