US-Mexico Drug Tunnel Discovered

Federal officials discovered a sophisticated 2,000-foot-long drug smuggling tunnel connecting Tijuana, Mexico>>>, to San Diego, California, underneath a purported discount store called Buy 4 Less. The tunnel, equipped with electricity, ventilation, reinforced walls, and a rail system, was used by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel>>> to traffic cocaine. A monthslong investigation by the United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement>>> Tunnel Task Force, which began in December 2025, led to the surveillance of the store due to suspicious activity. On May 29, agents observed large, heavy items being loaded into vans, leading to traffic stops and the seizure of over a ton of cocaine worth approximately $45 million. Subsequently, a warrant was executed on the Buy 4 Less store, revealing the tunnel's exit point. Four individuals, Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez>>>, Joe Jimenez>>>, António Costa>>>, and Brandon Escalante Sandoval>>>, were arrested and charged with felony drug distribution violations, with Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez>>> also facing charges related to tunnel construction and drug importation. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon>>> and HSI Special Agent in Charge Ken Murphy>>> highlighted the significance of the bust as a major blow to the cartel.