Summary
Four suspects, including two Americans and two Mexican nationals, have been charged for trafficking over one ton of cocaine through a secret tunnel connecting San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. The tunnel was hidden under a fake store in San Diego and was equipped with advanced features like electricity, ventilation, and a rail system.Key Facts
- The suspects are accused of working for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel to traffic cocaine across the US-Mexico border.
- The fake store called “Buy 4 Less” was located near the Otay Mesa border crossing in San Diego.
- Federal agents suspected the store was hiding a tunnel because it had unusual activity, such as people carrying empty suitcases and few customers.
- Authorities seized over 2,250 pounds (more than one ton) of cocaine from three vehicles during a traffic stop.
- A 55-foot deep tunnel was found under the store, extending about 1,800 feet in total between the U.S. and Mexico.
- The tunnel had a hydraulic lift, electricity, ventilation, and a cart system on rails for moving drugs.
- This is the first cross-border tunnel found in southern California since 2022, and there have been 99 tunnels found since 1993.
- The suspects face serious charges that could lead to life in prison, including drug trafficking and using unauthorized tunnels.
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