Authorities arrest 4 suspected drug smugglers in Gila Bend

GILA BEND, AZ - Four suspected drug smugglers have been arrested after federal authorities seized almost 190 pounds of marijuana in the desert south of Phoenix.

U.S. Border Patrol agents seized eight makeshift backpacks containing 189 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated value of $94,500.

Agents detected four people near Gila Bend carrying large rectangular backpacks through the desert on Sunday.

They located eight abandoned bundles of marijuana and discovered tracks leading away from the stash. Agents followed the footprints and say they apprehended the four suspects hiding behind stacked bales of hay.

Authorities say the four admitted to being from Mexico and in the U.S. illegally. Their names, ages and hometowns weren't immediately released.