Pubdate: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 1999 Albuquerque Journal Contact: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103 Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Author: Associated Press HORSE SEIZED IN DRUG BUST SANTA FE -- Red Hot Mag, which won a $19,000 purse last month at the SunRay race track in Farmington, is no longer racing after the federal government seized the quarter horse as "proceeds of illegal drug activity." The horse's owner, Felix Barela, was among more than 30 people arrested in September raids in the northern New Mexico villages of Chimayo and Santa Cruz. Federal authorities accuse Barela of heading a drug trafficking ring that supplied heroin to northern New Mexico for years. "Felix Barela generated substantial income from the sale of illegal drugs which allowed him to acquire certain properties, including this horse," said Steve Kotz, an assistant U.S. attorney in Albuquerque who specializes in property seizures. "But for the sale of illegal drugs, there would have been no horse and no winnings. That's our allegation." The horse won the race at the Farmington track Nov. 14. By late November, the U.S. attorney's office in Albuquerque had seized both the horse and the winnings. Red Hot Mag now is in the custody of the U.S. marshal's office. Kotz said the horse is being cared for by someone familiar with horses. "We've done this before," Kotz said. Prosecutors intend to file a motion to allow the government to keep the purse and sell the horse. Edward O. Bustamante, who is representing Barela in the criminal case, said he was not aware of the government's intention to seek forfeiture. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake