Agents arrest four in drug smuggle attempt

Agents with the Wellton Station Targeting Enforcement Unit arrested four people and seized $84,000 in marijuana along State Route 85 near Gila Bend on Thursday.

Border Patrol said it happened at 5:15 a.m. after agents observed a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu driving northbound, before pulling behind the vehicle.

The Malibu pulled to the side of the road and the four occupants inside fled on foot, according to Border Patrol.

Authorities said one of the subjects was arrested a short distance away and a search of the vehicle found three bundles of marijuana inside the trunk.

Agents tracked the three other subjects for several miles before taking them into custody, finding two additional bundles of marijuana.

Border Patrol said the combined weight of the contraband equals to 167.70 pounds worth approximately $83,850.

All four subjects were arrested for narcotics smuggling.

The contraband and vehicle were seized, according to Border Patrol.