Alleged Underground Drug Tunnel Unearthed in San Diego

Authorities in San Diego have identified an underground tunnel that likely served as a conduit for trafficking drugs, weapons, and people between Tijuana and the United States. During their investigation, officials recovered an estimated $45 million worth of narcotics.

Recently, federal agents confiscated over 1,000 pounds of cocaine hidden beneath the floorboards of a commercial truck at the Calexico Port of Entry, a critical border crossing between California and Mexico. This bust represents one of the most significant drug seizures in Southern California this year, with the cocaine’s street value exceeding $20 million.

This cocaine seizure ranks as the second-largest within the Southern District of California in 2023, according to federal prosecutors. The Department of Justice reported that the cocaine was concealed inside the floorboards of a commercial vehicle and flatbed trailer attempting to cross into the U.S.

Federal officials seized more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine during an inspection at the Calexico Port of Entry. The cocaine, valued at over $20 million, was part of this significant operation, as shown by the Department of Justice.

Jose Manuel Lopez, aged 44 and a Mexican national, was the vehicle’s sole occupant. Authorities arrested and charged him with importing cocaine into the United States. If found guilty, Lopez faces at least ten years in federal prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Prosecutors highlighted the seizure as a substantial haul even for the region.

The only larger cocaine bust in the Southern District of California this year occurred in May. During that operation, officials discovered more than a ton of cocaine, valued at $45 million, via a drug tunnel linking both nations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, collaborating with Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, identified suspicious activity using X-ray technology. At the time, the trailer was transporting 269 bundles of rebar. Upon unloading the rebar, investigators removed the wooden floorboards and discovered 366 packages of cocaine, weighing over 1,000 pounds or approximately 454 kilograms.

Lopez entered a plea of not guilty during his initial court appearance. His detention hearing is scheduled for August 3.