Accused of Drug Trafficking Via Mexico-U.S. Tunnel, Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in California

An American citizen, extradited from Mexico to California, has pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking cocaine and other drugs into the United States via a sophisticated cross-border tunnel. Genaro Lopez appeared in federal court in San Diego on Monday, denying all charges after his extradition last Friday.

U.S. prosecutors allege Lopez operated as a "major drug trafficker" on both sides of the border. They claim he utilized a cross-border tunnel, discovered on May 12, 2022, to import illegal narcotics. This subterranean passage extended approximately 540 meters from Tijuana, Mexico, to a warehouse near the Otay Mesa port of entry in California. Investigators found the tunnel equipped with reinforced walls, a rail system, electricity, and ventilation.

During the investigation into the tunnel, authorities seized nearly 800 kilograms of cocaine, 74.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl from a safe house in National City, California. Lopez had been under surveillance prior to this, as authorities had detected a safe house in Chula Vista, California, in July 2021, from which several drug-trafficking vehicles departed.

Authorities believe Lopez fled to Mexico in 2021 after a search warrant was executed at the Chula Vista residence. He remained a fugitive until his arrest by Mexican authorities on March 10 at the request of the United States. Four of Lopez's associates were previously arrested, charged with drug trafficking offenses, pleaded guilty, and received sentences. Lopez is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court in August.