Seattle

Smuggling tunnel found on U.S.-Canadian border

An elaborate tunnel crossing the U.S.-Canadian border 90 miles north of here was shut down and three suspected drug-runners were arrested this week after a months-long investigation by authorities in both countries.

The tunnel, measuring nearly 100 yards long and equipped with electricity and a ventilation system, began under a Quonset hut on the Canadian side and led to an abandoned home in Lynden, just across the border. Police said the suspects planned to use the passageway to smuggle marijuana and other drugs into the U.S.

More than 30 smuggling tunnels have been discovered over the years at the U.S.-Mexico border. This is the first such discovery on America’s northern border.

“The presence of a tunnel on our northern border threatens the security of both countries,” said John McKay, U.S. attorney.

Las Vegas

U.S. grants asylum to Cuban dance troupe

Nearly 50 members of a Cuban dance troupe have been granted asylum, eight months after they became one of the largest groups of Cubans to defect to the United States, the show’s producer said Thursday.

Forty-nine singers, dancers, musicians and other members of “Havana Night Club” received word this week that they would be allowed to stay in the U.S., the show’s creator, Nicole “N.D.” Durr, told The Associated Press. Two members of the troupe decided to return to Cuba.

“A new chapter of their lives has started,” Durr said. “Here’s something we worked very hard for, we fought for. This is something that will change (their) destiny.”

Group members individually entered the country and reunited in Las Vegas, where they began performing at the Stardust hotel-casino in August.