A tunnel of such sophistication - with lights, air venting, and a customized motorcycle rigged up on a rail line - would normally take 18 months to two years to complete, said Jim Dinkins, former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.

Mena, who was the Transport and Communications Minister for the State of Mexico, resigned and was fined US$12,603 more than a week after the release of recordings in which OHL Mexico executives are heard offering him a free hotel stay.