SANTA TERESA, NM- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents seized 746 pounds of marijuana Thursday.

According to CBP officials, agents working in the Santa Teresa, NM area noticed footprint sign in the desert region near Highway 9. Agents tracked the group's foot sign and were able to locate and apprehend a group of eight people.

Officials say members of the group were carrying eight large burlap sacks containing 352 pounds of marijuana. Agents estimate the value of the marijuana to be $282,160.

In a separate seizure, CBP Border Patrol agents working in a remote area east of Fort Hancock also interrupted a group during a drug smuggling operation in progress early Tuesday morning.

As the agents moved in to make the arrest, the suspects fled. Agents began a foot pursuit and were able to snag the smugglers before they fled back to Mexico.

After arresting four persons, agents were able to seize six large burlap bags and a canvass bag that were being used to transport the marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was 394 pounds and is valued at $315,520.

Officials say a total of 746 lbs of marijuana worth $597,710 was seized by Border Patrol over the course of the work week.

The drugs and subject were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

CBP officials tell ABC-7 that, as of May 31 for fiscal year 2007, agents in the El Paso Sector have seized over $85 million worth of illegal narcotics in 738 separate seizures.

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