RIO GRANDE CITY — U.S. Border Patrol agents tracked down a load of drugs last week by following a trail of flattened grass and freshly broken tree branches apparently created by a group of drug smugglers.

The agents began following the trail through thick brush along the Rio Grande in Falcon Heights on Thursday evening, suspecting a group might be conducting a "muled" narcotics operation, according to Border Patrol spokesman John Lopez.

Lopez said the term "muled" derives from the Border Patrol's early days when agents tracked down mules that were used to haul contraband such as liquor.

"It's unfortunately very common," Lopez said, explaining that traffickers often strap drug loads to their backs in an army rucksack fashion. "The distances they travel vary greatly, but it really just depends on how determined they are."

The agents, who were carrying heavy gear themselves, followed the trail for three miles by foot as the heat index reached 113 degrees, according to a news release issued by the agency.

Three hours later, agents found eight bundles hidden in some brush along the trail. Officials believe the smugglers abandoned the load and fled on foot.

The agents then carried the drug load to the nearest Border Patrol unit, the opposite way the smugglers had taken it.

Altogether, the bundles weighed 621 pounds. The drugs have an estimated street value of $496,800.

No arrests were made.

Lopez said such traffickers often meet up with vehicles traveling along the Rio Grande, which generally pick up the loads and transport them to stash houses.

"That's why we always check out vehicles coming away from the river," Lopez said. "More often than not, there's no legit reason."

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.