“Bush Track” Busted: A High-Stakes Raid in Levelland, Texas
In a dramatic turn of events, a high-stakes raid on Carril Mochomos, an unsanctioned Quarter Horse track in Levelland, Texas, has unveiled a web of illegal activities and led to the arrest of 14 individuals. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) executed the raid on September 29, 2024, uncovering a trove of evidence linked to organized crime, money laundering, unlawful racing, illegal gambling, and racketeering. Among the shocking discoveries were electrical shocking devices, illegal drugs for both horses and humans, and a staggering amount of cash. Authorities also seized 135 grams of cocaine and various gambling devices, painting a grim picture of the underground racing scene.
PETA Raises Red Flags on Seedy Texas Bush Tracks
This significant operation was spurred by a complaint from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) submitted to the Texas DPS in April. The organization urged state officials to investigate the more than 50 bush tracks operating across Texas, highlighting the rampant drugging and abuse of horses. PETA provided specific details about Carril Mochomos, prompting the DPS to launch a thorough investigation. Prior to the raid, at least nine individuals were indicted based on evidence presented to a grand jury, with additional charges filed against five others for promoting gambling and possession of cocaine.
Among those arrested were notable figures in the underground racing community, including Daniel Avila, a licensed jockey in New Mexico, and prominent bush racing broadcasters Ramon Garcia and Edna Hernández (known as “Edna Tello”). Cesar Pacheco, the operator of Carril Mochomos, and his partner Delmy Lizette Rios-Guerrero were also implicated in the criminal activities.
The Deadly World of Underground Horse Racing
The underground horse racing scene is notorious for its association with crime and cruelty. At these illegal events, attendees often wager hundreds of thousands of dollars, creating a high-pressure environment where trainers and jockeys resort to extreme measures to secure victory. Reports indicate that horses are routinely drugged, whipped, and subjected to electroshock devices to enhance their performance. PETA’s previous investigations into unsanctioned racing, such as those in Georgia, have revealed similar horrors, including the injection of horses with cocaine and meth, leading to tragic outcomes, including fatalities on the track.
The findings from these investigations have prompted legal actions against several individuals involved in the underground racing circuit, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory oversight and enforcement.
What You Can Do
If you’re concerned about the welfare of horses and the integrity of racing, there are ways you can take action. PETA encourages individuals to support efforts aimed at shutting down unregulated tracks, particularly those operating in states like Georgia. By raising awareness and advocating for stricter regulations, we can work together to protect these animals from the cruelty and exploitation that pervade the underground racing world.
In a landscape where the thrill of racing is overshadowed by illegal activities and animal abuse, the recent raid in Levelland serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against such practices. The fight for the humane treatment of horses continues, and every voice counts in this important cause.