DHS Finds Cartel Tunnel Linking Tijuana to San Diego
The Department of Homeland Security says federal agents uncovered a sophisticated cross-border tunnel that ran from Tijuana, Mexico, into San Diego, California. Investigators say the tunnel was tied to a drug smuggling case involving four people and more than a ton of cocaine with an estimated street value of $45 million.
The people charged include two Americans, Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez and Jose Jimenez of San Diego, along with Brandon Escalante Sandoval and Antonio Cortez of Mexico. Hernandez Lopez was also charged with conspiracy to use a cross-border tunnel and conspiracy to import controlled substances.
According to DHS, “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.” That made the full passage about 1,933 feet long. Agents said the hidden entry point sat about 55 feet below the store floor and was reached by stairways.
HSI San Diego acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy said the operation dealt a “significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the reinforced walls in the tunnel were “about four and a half feet” thick.
Blanche also said, “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,”
Federal agents started watching Buy 4 Less in December 2025 after noticing odd activity, including low customer traffic and people moving empty suitcases between the store, vehicles, and the border. On May 29, 2026, agents say they saw a man load heavy items into a van at the store and drive to a nearby mechanic shop. Escalante was also seen conducting counter-surveillance.
Later, deputies stopped a truck and found evidence of controlled substances with help from a K9 unit. A second truck and van linked to the operation also tested positive for controlled substances. Authorities seized more than 1,000 kilograms, or over 2,200 pounds, of cocaine from the vehicles.