Washington, June 2: U.S. federal agencies have discovered a sophisticated underground tunnel stretching from Mexico to Southern California. They seized over one ton of cocaine valued at approximately $45 million (around ₹375 crores). Officials describe this operation as a significant blow against a powerful Mexican drug cartel.
The revelation followed months of surveillance. Investigators uncovered a smuggling route hidden beneath a suspected retail store near the U.S.-Mexico border. Charges have been filed against four individuals in connection with the case.
According to officials, the tunnel originated in Tijuana, Mexico, and extended to a store named ‘Buy 4 Less’ near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California. The tunnel measures about 1,933 feet in length and 55 feet in depth, featuring reinforced walls, electrical systems, ventilation, and a rail network for transporting goods.
The four accused face charges of conspiracy to smuggle and distribute narcotics through the tunnel. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated, “At the end of the tunnel, the only lights waiting for these defendants were police lights and sirens.”
The investigation spanned from December 2025 to May 2026. Agencies noted that the ‘Buy 4 Less’ store had very few customers and did not operate like a typical retail outlet. Investigators observed suspicious individuals transporting large suitcases from the location.
During the search, a total of 851 packets confirmed to contain cocaine were recovered. Authorities seized 286.2 kilograms from one truck, 469.4 kilograms from another truck, and 274 kilograms from a van, totaling 1,029.6 kilograms (over 2,269 pounds) of cocaine.
Kevin Murphy, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, stated that this operation dealt a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He emphasized that the discovery of the tunnel and the seizure of over a ton of cocaine resulted from coordinated efforts by security agencies.
Investigators found a secret entrance to the tunnel beneath the floor of the store’s storage room, which opened via a hydraulic lift. Officials noted that the tunnel traveled over 1,000 feet before reaching the Mexican side of the border.
U.S. Border Protection Officer Justin De La Torre remarked that criminal organizations continuously seek new ways to evade border security, but the officers stationed at the border remain vigilant.
Since 1993, authorities have detected 99 underground tunnels in Southern California, with 28 classified as state-of-the-art. The last active tunnel in the area was captured in 2022.
Experts indicate that such cross-border tunnels have become the most effective means for Mexican drug trafficking organizations to transport narcotics into the U.S., employing advanced engineering techniques for large-scale drug smuggling.
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