Update on the cross-border tunnel between the US and Mexico: Authorities have confiscated $45 million worth of cocaine and apprehended four individuals – here’s what we currently understand.

Federal agents have uncovered a sophisticated underground tunnel near the US-Mexico border, believed to connect Tijuana to a street in San Diego, which was allegedly used for a significant drug trafficking operation. This extensive investigation has led to the seizure of over a ton of cocaine, valued at more than $45 million, and the arrest of four individuals linked to the operation. The details were revealed in a news release from federal prosecutors in Southern California on June 1.

The tunnel, which connects Tijuana to a business named "Buy 4 Less" in San Diego's Otay Mesa neighborhood, is situated just north of one of the busiest border crossings in the United States. Authorities reported that the tunnel was equipped with advanced features, including lighting, ventilation, and an electronic transport system, indicating a high level of sophistication in its construction and use.

The individuals arrested in connection with this operation include Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez of San Diego, Brandon Escalante Sandoval of Mexico, Jose Jimenez of San Diego, and Antonio Cortez of Mexico. Lopez faces charges of Conspiracy to Use a Cross-Border Tunnel and Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances, while all four are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.

According to a federal complaint, agents from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tunnel Task Force conducted surveillance on the Buy 4 Less warehouse from December 2025 to May 2026 due to suspicious activities observed there. Kevin Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego, emphasized that this investigation represents a significant setback for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, highlighting the collaborative efforts of HSI and its partners in disrupting the flow of narcotics into communities.

San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez also underscored the importance of law enforcement collaboration in dismantling transnational drug cartels. She noted that joint operations are crucial for disrupting trafficking networks and preventing these organizations from exploiting jurisdictional gaps. The tunnel's discovery was aided by intelligence work from Mexico's Criminal Investigation Agency, which coordinated with the Security Cabinet to execute a search warrant related to alleged violations of firearms and explosives laws, as well as drug offenses.