Mexican authorities have discovered a sophisticated underground tunnel near the U.S.-Mexico border, believed to facilitate cross-border trafficking operations.
Mexican authorities recently uncovered a 265-meter underground tunnel near the U.S.-Mexico border, equipped with advanced features such as lighting, ventilation, and an electronic transport system. Officials believe this tunnel may connect Tijuana to a street in San Diego.
The discovery was announced by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, known as the FGR, following the execution of a search warrant at a property in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood of Tijuana, Baja California. The tunnel, which stretches approximately 870 feet and reaches a depth of about 21 feet, showcases the sophistication of underground trafficking operations.
Investigators reported that the tunnel contained operational infrastructure, including lighting and ventilation systems, along with an electronic sliding mechanism designed to facilitate the movement of goods in both directions between Mexico and the United States.
The tunnel’s discovery resulted from intelligence work conducted by agents from the FGR’s Criminal Investigation Agency, in coordination with Mexico’s Security Cabinet. The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of Mexico’s firearms and explosives laws, as well as drug-related offenses.
Authorities suspect that the property associated with the tunnel may have served as a storage, logistics, and trafficking center for firearms, explosives, and illicit drugs. Photos released by the FGR show agents navigating the underground passageway, access points leading into the tunnel, and evidence recovered during the operation.
During the investigation, officials recovered ammunition, suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, cell phones, and various documents from the property. Images released by Mexican authorities also highlight the ventilation infrastructure inside the tunnel, further emphasizing the operation’s sophistication.
The FGR indicated that the tunnel likely connects to a street in San Diego, although authorities have not publicly identified the specific location or confirmed whether the U.S. side of the tunnel has been located.
This discovery comes on the heels of U.S. authorities announcing charges against four individuals accused of trafficking over a ton of cocaine through a different sophisticated cross-border tunnel that also stretches between Tijuana and San Diego. According to federal prosecutors in San Diego, that tunnel extended approximately 1,933 feet, reached a depth of about 55 feet, and was equipped with reinforced walls, electricity, ventilation systems, and rail infrastructure.
Federal investigators revealed that this tunnel connected Tijuana to a storefront in Otay Mesa known as “Buy 4 Less,” where agents discovered a concealed exit point hidden beneath the floor of a storage room. During the investigation, authorities seized approximately 1,029 kilograms, or more than 2,269 pounds, of suspected cocaine, which prosecutors estimated to be worth around $45 million.
Homeland Security Investigations stated that this seizure dealt a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. The investigation resulted in charges against four suspects accused of using the tunnel to transport narcotics into the U.S.
Federal officials noted that the tunnel was discovered after months of surveillance that began in late 2025, culminating in coordinated enforcement actions on May 29. They described the discovery as a significant setback for criminal organizations that rely on underground smuggling routes to move narcotics and other contraband across the border.
“For these defendants, it wasn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. It was lights and sirens,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California.
The evidence and property related to the recent tunnel discovery have been turned over to federal prosecutors in Baja California, who will continue the investigation into the operation.
According to Fox News, the ongoing efforts by authorities underscore the challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling operations along the U.S.-Mexico border.