6 Thoroughbred Horses Used As Cover For Cocaine Trafficking Rescued In Oklahoma

After Oklahoma authorities seized more than 350 pounds of cocaine and six horses during a traffic stop last month, a court has awarded custody of the horses to a local rescue.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) on May 20 conducted a traffic stop on a horse trailer and discovered 160 kilograms (353 pounds) of cocaine concealed in the trailer along with six horses.

While the investigation into the cocaine, which has an estimated street value of some $4.3 million, remains ongoing, Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue took custody of the horses and began working to identify them.

The rescue, founded by Natalee Cross, worked with a veterinarian to determine the horses did not have any drugs in their systems, and they were not from Mexico. According to microchip and lip tattoo data, the horses were in fact “all thoroughbreds” and at least a few were former racehorses.

“These horses fell into unfortunate circumstances they didn’t ask for,” the rescue wrote on Facebook on June 13.

The horses, which range in age from 2 to 18, were in “decent” condition but had scrapes and “minor wounds.”

“The thinnest of the group is an 18 year old stud, Just Getin Started,” the rescue said. “The 2 year old filly in the group had never been named and she is lame. X-rays show she has previously foundered in one foot.”

The rescue hopes that with corrective shoeing, the filly can “still have a quality of life ahead of her.”

The rescue’s public comments come after a court ruled last week that the horses were abandoned, and awarded custody to the rescue.

OBN recently presented a plaque to Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue in appreciation for their assistance in the case.

“We wanted to express our sincere gratitude after they stepped up to care for the horses we seized during the traffic stop and to thank them for their dedication to rescue and provide a safe home for animals in need,” said OBN Director Donnie Anderson.