Federal agents have uncovered a hidden trafficking operation at an underground tunnel near the US-Mexico border, seizing over $45 million worth of cocaine and arresting four men accused of using the passageway to funnel drugs into the United States.
The months-long investigation led to the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine and the arrest of Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez, Brandon Escalante Sandoval, Jose Jimenez, and Antonio Cortez, who are charged with various conspiracy and distribution offenses.
The tunnel, which connected Tijuana to a business in San Diego's Otay Mesa neighborhood, was equipped with lighting, ventilation, and an electronic transport system.
The investigation was a result of collaboration between Homeland Security Investigations and Mexico's Security Cabinet, and marks a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
