Border Patrol tracks, nabs drug mules
Updated: Friday, 26 Feb 2010, 7:54 AM MST
Published : Friday, 26 Feb 2010, 7:54 AM MST

Web Producer: Bill Diven

LORDSBURG, N.M. (KRQE) - Two seizures in two hours netted Border Patrol agents nearly 400 pounds of marijuana after they spotted and followed a trail of footprints leading north from Mexico.

The agents working in the area of New Mexico's bootheel Tuesday night found "individuals and their backpacks" as the group apparently moved toward Highway 80, according to a news release. Agents took the individuals into custody and seized 129 cellophane-wrapped bricks weighing a total of about 144 pounds.

The release did not say how many individuals were involved or whether the seizure took place in New Mexico or Arizona. Highway 80 runs from Interstate 10 in Hidalgo County to the border city of Douglas, Ariz.

A few hours later agents observed a second group of people toting about 223 pounds of marijuana. Agents took three people into custody, but the remainder is believed to have fled back into Mexico.

The two loads of pot have an estimated street value of $294,000. The contraband and the individuals were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/bord ... drug-mules