Four Charged, Over 1 Ton of Cocaine Seized in California-Mexico Border Tunnel

Federal authorities have charged four individuals in connection with a sophisticated cross-border tunnel discovered beneath the California-Mexico border, leading to the seizure of more than one ton of cocaine. The tunnel, which ran from Tijuana, Mexico, to an industrial area in Otay Mesa, California, was uncovered during a joint operation by U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The four defendants, identified as Mexican nationals, face charges of drug trafficking and conspiracy.

According to court documents, the tunnel was equipped with lighting, ventilation, and a rail system to transport drugs. The investigation began after authorities detected unusual activity near the border.

The seized cocaine has an estimated street value of over $30 million. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling operations along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in San Diego next week.