SUV pictured after several suspects fled the scene into the desert.

FLORENCE, Ariz. – Nine bails of packaged marijuana totaling over 360 lbs. of marijuana and several radios have been seized following a traffic stop along Interstate 8.

On 8/22/12, as approximately 9:28 p.m., a PCSO deputy on patrol near eastbound Interstate 8 and Russell Road observed a white Ford Explorer driving erratically while towing a travel trailer.

A traffic stop was conducted at mile post 168, but as the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, the Explorer began to flee southbound into the desert.

As the SUV came to a stop at a barrier fence, five subjects were seen running from the vehicle.

The deputy cleared the vehicle for any remaining subjects and then proceeded to check the trailer.

As the deputy opened the trailer door and stepped back, five more subjects were seen seated on top of large bundles of marijuana.

The deputy attempted to secure and close the door, but the five subjects rush out, forcing the door open and fled into the desert.

A search of the area for the ten suspects turned up negative.

Nine bundles of marijuana pictured inside the travel trailer.

After searching the trailer, nine bundles of marijuana and several camouflage backpacks containing hand‐held radios were found. All items, including the vehicle and trailer were seized by the PCSO Anti Smuggling Unit.

“Based on the evidence on scene, we believe the subjects in the trailer had recently been picked up along the interstate after smuggling narcotics into the United States,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “Despite being outnumbered, we will continue targeting smugglers who use this and other corridors in our county for their illegal activity.”