U.S. authorities have uncovered a major drug smuggling tunnel under the border with Mexico and seized 14 tons of marijuana in the passageway.

Officials say the cross-border tunnel connected warehouses in Tijuana, Mexico and in an industrial park in the San Diego, California area. The investigators also say the tunnel, which was discovered Tuesday, contained a ventilation system.

In November of last year, raids on two tunnels linking California and Mexico netted a combined 50 tons of marijuana on both sides of the border. They were equipped with rail systems, lighting and ventilation. The tunnels are among dozens that have been discovered in recent years.

Mexico is in the midst of brutal drug gang violence that has claimed an estimated 45,000 lives since President Felipe Calderon took office in late 2006 and began a crackdown on the cartels.