DEA Discovers 25-Foot Tunnel Under Texas Vape Shop Linked to Cartels

Operation Vaporizer and Tunnel Discovery

• 🎯 A multi-agency investigation, dubbed Operation Vaporizer, targeted vape shops suspected of selling illegal substances.
• 🔍 DEA agents, alongside Laredo PD, discovered a suspicious 25-foot tunnel beneath the Kush Smoke Emporium vape shop.
• 🧱 The tunnel was found in the back of the shop, leading to a concealed room, and appeared to be under construction for illicit use.

Seizures and Arrests

• ⚖️ Authorities seized marijuana and cocaine from the vape shop.
• 👤 The shop owner, Gberto Pena, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
• ⚠️ Aside from the owner, only one other arrest was made during the inspection of 22 shops in Laredo.

Cartel Connections and Smuggling Methods

• 🔗 An investigation is underway to determine if the tunnel has ties to a criminal organization.
• 🗺️ Laredo, Texas, is identified as a key entry point for dangerous cartels operating across the border from Mexico.
• 📈 Due to crackdowns on illegal immigration, cartels are increasingly relying on tunnels and drainage systems for drug and human smuggling along the Texas border.
• 🛠️ A separate unit will dismantle the tunnel in the coming days.