Drug smugglers curtail scientists' work

Biologist Karen Krebbs used to study bats at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the Arizona-Mexico border. Then she got tired of dodging drug smugglers all night.

"I use night-vision goggles and you could see them very clearly," Krebbs said of the caravans of men with guns and huge backpacks full of drugs, trudging through the desert. After taking refuge in bushes or behind rocks on 10 or so occasions, Krebbs abandoned her research. "I'm just not willing to risk my neck anymore," she said.

Along the U.S.-Mexican border, scientists like Krebbs say their work is under growing threat from drug traffickers and other criminals who have been pushed into remote areas by tighter U.S. border security.

Scientists fleeing border, smugglers: Outdoor studies getting riskier, researchers say. by Chris Hawley. Dec. 27, 2007 12:00 AM

The Arizona Republic

Thu Dec 27

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