Feds find cross-border drug tunnel under KFC restaurant

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Federal agents found a cross-border tunnel under an abandoned KFC franchise. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

PHOENIX (AP) — Federal authorities have discovered a sophisticated drug-smuggling tunnel that went from a home in Mexico to an abandoned fast-food restaurant in Arizona.

A division of the Department of Homeland Security said it got word in April that there was a tunnel leading to an old Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant that's not in operation in San Luis, Arizona, about 200 yards north of the border.

Agents arrested a man who owns the abandoned building and is accused of using it to traffic drugs.

Suspect Ivan Lopez is being held in federal detention without bond because he is considered a flight risk.

His attorney, Paul A. Ramos, has not responded to a request for comment.