Drug smuggling tunnel discovered beneath US-Mexico border

The US has discovered a sophisticated tunnel, hundreds of meters long, beneath its border with Mexico, reportedly used to smuggle over USD 45 million worth of cocaine.

US officials announced on 2/6 that the underground tunnel extended from beneath Tijuana, Mexico, to a retail store in the Otay Mesa port of entry area in California. Investigators estimate the tunnel is approximately 590 meters long, located 16,8 meters below ground, and 1,4 meters high.

The tunnel features reinforced walls, is equipped with rail tracks, a ventilation system, and electricity, with access via a hydraulic lift.

The tunnel used for drug smuggling beneath the US-Mexico border on 2/6. *Video: US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California*

A video released by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California shows the tunnel's entrance constructed with solid concrete steps. Inside, the tunnel appears to be carved through rock, with a concrete floor.

Drug enforcement agents from the US Department of Homeland Security spent months monitoring activity around the "Buy 4 Less" retail store on US territory. During the raid, they discovered over 1.000 kg of cocaine, a quantity investigators believe was transported through the tunnel and loaded onto trucks for distribution.

"Criminal organizations continuously seek to exploit the border, but they underestimate the resolve of those who protect this border day and night. The discovery of this tunnel is a testament to the close coordination and unwavering commitment of law enforcement in both countries," said Justin De La Torre, commander of the San Diego sector border patrol.

Steps leading down into the tunnel. *Photo: US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California*

Four individuals, including two from San Diego, California, and two Mexican citizens, have been indicted on charges related to illegal drug importation.

According to the US Department of Justice, authorities have discovered 99 tunnels in the Southern California Judicial District since 1993. Among these, 28 tunnels were classified as structurally and technically sophisticated.

The last active smuggling tunnel discovered in this area was in 2022.

Upon returning to the White House in 1/2025, one of President Donald Trump's priorities would be to tighten border control, prevent illegal immigration, and stop the flow of drugs into the US. He threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada to pressure the US's two largest trading partners into action. The US also increased its military presence in the southern Caribbean, launching operations against drug cartels in the region from late 2025.