Agents track down eight suspected drug smugglers

After tracking footprints through the night, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector arrested eight suspected smugglers Monday morning who allegedly were carrying a total of 338 pounds of marijuana.

According to Agent Kyle Estes of the Yuma Sector Communications Division, agents discovered footprints coming from the U.S.-Mexico border deep in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Sunday evening and began tracking them.

Estes said they eventually caught up to and apprehended the group of backpackers the next morning. The marijuana had an estimated street value of $169,000.

Yuma County residents can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.