Alleged Drug Tunnel Found at U.S.-Mexico Border
Authorities have discovered an underground tunnel linking Tijuana and San Diego, suspected to facilitate trafficking of drugs, weapons, and individuals across the border. During the operation, investigators seized drugs with an estimated street value of $45 million.
Significant Drug Bust in Southern California
Federal agents uncovered over 1,000 pounds of cocaine concealed beneath the floorboards of a commercial truck arriving in the U.S. from Mexico. This incident stands as one of the largest drug seizures in Southern California this year.
The Department of Justice reported the half-ton of cocaine was hidden in a commercial truck and flatbed trailer at the Calexico Port of Entry. The street value of the cocaine is estimated to surpass $20 million, marking the area’s second-largest cocaine bust this year.
Details of the Seizure
Jose Manuel Lopez, a 44-year-old Mexican national and the sole occupant of the truck, was arrested and charged with importing cocaine into the United States. If convicted, Lopez could face a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison.
Prosecutors described the amount seized as significant, even within the standards of the district. The discovery was made after authorities removed wooden floorboards from the commercial trailer, uncovering more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine hidden beneath, as detailed by the Department of Justice.
Previous Seizures and Law Enforcement Action
The only larger cocaine seizure in this district took place in May, connected to a cross-border drug tunnel, where over a ton of cocaine valued at $45 million was seized. Officers at the scene detected anomalies during an X-ray inspection of the trailer, which was carrying 269 bundles of rebar.
A narcotics detection dog alerted officers to the presence of drugs, prompting them to unload the rebar and remove the wooden floorboards. Subsequently, they found 366 packages of cocaine weighing more than 1,000 pounds, as stated by prosecutors.
During his initial court appearance, Lopez pleaded not guilty. A detention hearing is set for August 3.