Federal agents investigating a suspected cross-border tunnel between Mexico and the United States disclosed that they have uncovered adrug trafficking operationthat allegedly moved more than $45 million (£35.5 million) worth of cocaine through the underground passage.
The discovery followed a months-long investigation that culminated in the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine and the arrest of four men accused of using the tunnel to smuggle drugs into the US.
Authorities affirm that the tunnel linked Tijuana to a business known as Buy 4 Less in San Diego's Otay Mesa neighbourhood, just north of one of the country's busiest border crossings. Investigators said the passageway was far more advanced than a simple underground route, featuring lighting, ventilation, and an electronic transport system designed to move items between the two countries.
The case has since led to multiple federal charges and prompted officials on both sides of the border to highlight the scale of the alleged operation and the cooperation involved in bringing it to an end.
According to areleaseissued on 1 June by federal prosecutors in Southern California, the investigation resulted in the arrest of Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez of San Diego, Brandon Escalante Sandoval of Mexico, Jose Jimenez of San Diego, and Antonio Cortez of Mexico.
Authorities said Lopez has been charged with Conspiracy to Use a Cross-Border Tunnel and Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances. All four defendants have also been charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
A federal complaint cited in the release stated that investigators with the Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force maintained regular surveillance of the Buy 4 Less warehouse between December 2025 and May 2026 after observing what they described as suspicious activity at the location.
Authorities believe the tunnel connected Tijuana to the Buy 4 Less business in San Diego's Otay Mesa neighbourhood. During the investigation, agents uncovered evidence that led them to suspect the passageway was being used to transport large quantities of narcotics into the United States.
The operation ultimately led to the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine, with authorities estimating the value of the drugs at over $45 million (£35.5 million). Prosecutors said the arrests and seizures marked a major outcome in a case that had been developing over several months.
Investigators said the tunnel was fitted with operational infrastructure that allowed it to function as a highly organised trafficking route. According to authorities, the underground passage contained lighting and ventilation systems, while an electronic sliding mechanism had been installed to move items in both directions between Mexico and the United States.
Source: International Business Times UK
