Alleged drug kingpin accused of smuggling drugs across US-Mexico border through railway tunnel

SAN DIEGO (Gray News) - A man was arraigned in federal court Monday for allegedly using a sophisticated underground tunnel to move drugs into the U.S. from Mexico that was discovered in 2022.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Genaro Lopez, 54, was a powerful drug trafficker who was operating on both sides of the border.

Lopez entered a not guilty plea during his court appearance this week to drug trafficking charges.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Butcher granted the government’s request to hold the 54-year-old without bond because he posed a serious risk of flight from prosecution.

Lopez reportedly operated out of a stash house in Chula Vista until July 9, 2021, when investigators stopped three cars leaving the property with drugs.

Authorities said they executed a search warrant and ended up seizing 241 kilograms of cocaine, eight guns, a bulletproof vest, ammunition and nearly $40,000.

Officials noted that Lopez took off to Mexico following the search and became a fugitive until he was caught on March 10 and extradited back to the U.S.

Investigators allege that the 54-year-old used a cross-border tunnel to smuggle illegal drugs into the United States.

Investigators discovered the tunnel in May 2022, while surveilling a second stash house in National City, according to court records.

Authorities said they stopped four cars leaving that property, where investigators seized close to 800 kilograms of cocaine, 74 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl.

The reported tunnel was from Tijuana to a warehouse in Otay Mesa. It was estimated to be about 1,744 feet long, 61 feet deep, with reinforced walls, a rail system, electricity and a ventilation system.

Six people were also arrested in that case, investigators said.

Lopez’s next court appearance for a motion hearing and trial setting is scheduled for Aug. 14 before U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez.