Residents in Shatoujiao remain puzzled over a mysterious tunnel that led to Hong Kong territory as police keep silent on investigations.

A Madam Liu, who owns the flat where the tunnel entrance was found, said border police seized several suspects in 2001 when the tunnel was discovered.

However, no details have been disclosed about the seizure or investigations.

Neighbors of the flat at Haitao Garden housing estate said they were astonished that the tunnel could be dug without being noticed.

The Shenzhen Evening News quoted a construction contractor as saying the tunnel might have cost 1 million yuan (US$120,000) and two months to dig, even with machinery.

Liu, who had rented the flat since 2000, found that hand trolleys could be used in the tunnel when she inspected it after it was discovered in 2001.

She was in her hometown in Northeast China when the flat was rented.

Police began to fill the tunnel in November 2001 but the work was suspended. It was resumed after Liu complained to the Yantian District Government.

Liu said that although the entrance inside her flat had been sealed, the tunnel, which passes under Zhongying Street, was not completely filled, raising concerns that burglars could break into her flat through the tunnel.

Liu said she would move into the flat after it was repaired and would not rent it again to prevent smugglers from taking advantage of its location, less 30 meters from Hong Kong territory.

Workers were continuing to fill the tunnel Sunday.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Lifestyle News
+China outlines position in six-party talks ( 2003-08-27) +Forex enquiry to curb illegal capital inflows ( 2003-08-27) +6 women drowned in human smuggling ( 2003-08-27) +China relaxes trading rights controls ( 2003-08-27) +Stargazers prepare for Mars close-up ( 2003-08-27)		+Mysterious tunnel may cost 1 million ( 2003-08-27) +Singapore sets up free noticeboards to get rid of sticky problem ( 2003-08-27) +Dating: a tricky game for Chinese university women ( 2003-08-27) +Seven health workers with flu-like symptoms checked for SARS; patients isolated ( 2003-08-27) +Liftoff for space school ( 2003-08-27)