Washington, D.C. - Today Larsen praised local and federal law enforcement for their coordinated efforts that shut down a smuggling tunnel running under the Canadian border near the Lynden, Washington crossing.

“We saw vigilance in action yesterday when Whatcom County and federal law enforcement crashed the party for would-be smugglers who had built a sophisticated tunnel between Lynden, Washington and Canada.

“This is the first time we have seen a smuggling tunnel between the U.S. and Canada. Clearly, the bad guys are getting more creative in their attempts to breach our borders, and we must step up our efforts to keep them out.

“This smuggling shutdown success highlights the excellent work and cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement at our Northern Border.  This extensive and months-long investigation also shows the importance of cross-border cooperation.

“Along the Northern Border in Washington state, border security is community security.

“This successful shutdown is a victory, but there is much work left to do in order to secure our borders and the communities that surround them.”

Three marijuana-related arrests have been made in connection with the smuggling tunnel. Law enforcement has said the 350-foot tunnel could have been used to move, as examples, drugs and people. The investigations lasted six to eight months. The tunnel was allowed to be completed so that law enforcement could track what went through the tunnel and those involved. 

Larsen represents the 2nd Congressional District that includes Whatcom County and its U.S. border points of entry. In Congress he serves on the Northern Border Caucus.