Homeland Security Task Force uncovers sophisticated cross-border tunnel linking Tijuana and California
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday announced that its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tunnel Task Force uncovered a sophisticated cartel tunnel spanning from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, California.
Four people have been charged for conspiring to distribute more than a ton, $45 million worth, of cocaine.
Two Americans, Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez and Jose Jimenez of San Diego, were charged. Brandon Escalante Sandoval and Antonio Cortez of Mexico were also charged.
Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez was also charged with conspiracy to use a cross-border tunnel and conspiracy to import controlled substances.
“The tunnel, stretching about 1,933 feet from Tijuana, Mexico, to a supposed retail store called ‘Buy 4 Less’ near San Diego’s Otay Mesa Port of Entry, was equipped with reinforced walls, rail and ventilation systems, and electricity,” according to DHS.
“The tunnel extended about 1,064 feet from Buy 4 Less to the U.S.-Mexico border and another 800 feet into Mexico.”
The total length of the tunnel was about 1,933 feet.
HSI San Diego acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy said the bust dealt a “significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.”
Video footage from inside the tunnel shows the complex tunnel, with stairways leading to the passageway hidden 55 feet beneath the store’s floor.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the reinforced walls in the tunnel were “about four and a half feet” thick.
“This has been something that they’ve been doing for a long time, and now that the borders are closed, they have to find other ways to get drugs in this country, and this was one way they were trying to do it,” Blanche said.
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The Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force began surveilling Buy 4 Less in December 2025 due to suspicious activity — including minimal customer traffic and individuals transporting empty suitcases between the store and vehicles or across the border.
On May 29, 2026, agents watched a man load heavy items into a van at Buy 4 Less and drive it to a nearby mechanic shop. The agents also observed Escalante conducting counter-surveillance in the area. Escalante later moved the van, and a truck arrived. The suspects removed three deep freezers from the van, placed them on the truck’s bed, and filled them with packages.
After the packages were loaded, Escalante moved the truck to another location and left.
After Escalante departed, Jiminez arrived and drove away in the truck. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies stopped the truck and, with help from a K9 unit, discovered evidence of controlled substances. Deputies later stopped a second truck and van linked to the operation, both of which also tested positive for controlled substances.
Agents seized over 1,000 kilograms (more than 2,200 pounds) of cocaine from the vehicles.
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