(U.S. Attorney's Office, S.D. Cal via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
A nearly 2,000ft-long tunnel running from Mexico to a fake discount store in the US has been uncovered in a $45 million drug bust.
The sophisticated passage - built with reinforced walls, rail and ventilation systems and electricity - ran from Tijuana to a front in San Diego.
The shop - called "Buy 4 Less" - was discovered after a probe was launched by drug officers from Homeland Security. They started surveillance on the Otay Mesa store in December last year.
(U.S. Attorney's Office, S.D. Cal via SWNS)
Four people have been charged with conspiring to distribute more than a ton of cocaine estimated to be worth $45 million in connection with the raid.
US Border Patrol San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre said: "Criminal organisations continue to look for ways to exploit our border, but they underestimate the determination of the men and women protecting it.
"This tunnel’s discovery is a testament to our strong partnerships and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both sides of the border."
The defendants were scheduled to be arraigned on June 2 by US Magistrate Judge Valerie E. Torres.