American authorities have discovered a sophisticated drug trafficking tunnel connecting the Mexican city of Tijuana to a store in California, used for the illegal introduction of massive amounts of cocaine into the United States.
The investigation, conducted over several months by a joint team coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, concluded with the confiscation of over a ton of cocaine, estimated at around $45 million, as reported by The Guardian.
Tunnel with hydraulic lift, rails, and ventilation system
The underground passage discovered in the Otay Mesa area, at the border between California and Mexico, was approximately 590 meters long and descended to nearly 17 meters underground (equivalent to a 5-story building).
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the tunnel was equipped with reinforced walls, electrical installation, ventilation system, rails for transporting goods, and even a hydraulic lift used for access, as reported by News.ro.
Images released by authorities show concrete stairs leading down to the rock-cut passage with a concrete floor, indicating that the network required significant investments and an extended construction period.
The exit into American territory was concealed in a building that apparently functioned as a discount store, "Buy 4 Less," located near the Otay Mesa border crossing point.
An investigation that lasted months
Federal investigators monitored the activity around the suspected store for months before taking action.
Following the raids, over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine were found, which authorities believe were transported through the tunnel and prepared for distribution in the U.S.
Four individuals have been indicted in the case, two from the San Diego area and two from Mexico. According to prosecutors, they are accused of conspiring to distribute a massive quantity of drugs.
"Cartels underestimate the determination of those defending the border"
Justin de la Torre, the Chief of Border Patrol for the San Diego sector, stated that criminal organizations continue to seek new ways to bypass border controls.
"Criminal organizations continue to seek ways to exploit our border, but they underestimate the determination of the men and women who protect it," he said.
The official added that the tunnel's discovery demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
Nearly 100 tunnels discovered in three decades
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the value of the confiscated cocaine is estimated at $45 million.
"This case reflects our unwavering commitment to dismantling cartels, stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities, and providing safety to American families," Blanche conveyed in a message published on the X platform.
According to the Department of Justice, along the California-Mexico border, 99 tunnels have been discovered since 1993. Of these, 28 have been classified as "sophisticated," with the latest operational tunnel identified in the region found in 2022.