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Pot Luck: Horse Donated

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 13, 2008

TAMPA - A 3-year-old thoroughbred mare confiscated Feb. 17 by Hillsborough County deputies was donated Thursday to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch in Live Oak.

The horse, whose name is Tiltaladin Secret, was confiscated when an off-duty detective discovered a marijuana smuggling ring, deputies say. The detective, John Masson, saw a vehicle with a horse trailer near his home, driving around and appearing to be lost, about 1 a.m., said Hillsborough sheriff's Maj. Paul Davis.

The driver seemed nervous and claimed to know exactly where he was going, Davis said. The detective thought something strange was going on and watched the vehicle for two to three hours. After Masson saw drugs and money, three people were arrested.

The marijuana was smuggled to Arizona from Mexico and was transported in the trailer with the horse to eastern Hillsborough County, Davis said.

Investigators initially thought there were 900 pounds of marijuana, but it turned out there were about 1,300 pounds.

Deputies also confiscated about $250,000 in U.S. currency in the trailer. The drugs and money had been placed behind a false wall in the trailer, Davis said.

Tiltaladin Secret appeared healthy but had been in the trailer for several days.

"The horse is pretty calm and tame, as you can see," Davis said.

Tiltaladin Secret is worth $2,000 to $4,000, deputies say.

The horse will be a great addition to the youth ranch, Davis said.

According to its Web site, the youth ranch in Live Oak is a residential care facility for troubled boys.

"Today the Boys Ranch accommodates 82 boys, between the ages of 8 and 18," the site states. "The boys participate in many different activities such as swimming, baseball, volleyball, canoeing and arts and crafts.

"In addition, each boy attends school, either on campus or in the local public school system in the Live Oak community. Each boy also participates in a structured work program."

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.

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