Australian police uncover a 4-ft crocodile, dozens of snakes, lizards and other animals alongside an alleged cannabis grow during a drug raid.
Australian police have charged a 39-year-old man over alleged cannabis cultivation and illegal exotic animal breeding after uncovering a crocodile and dozens of animals inside his home.
According to New South Wales Police, officers executing a search at a property in Collombatti — more than 275 miles north of Sydney — allegedly discovered a 4-foot saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes, 19 lizards, three hedgehogs, 28 dogs and nine cats, along with evidence of cannabis farming.
NSW Police shared details of the raid in an Instagram post on Thursday, Feb. 5, alongside images of the seized animals, including the crocodile, a hedgehog and a white snake, as well as photographs of the alleged hydroponic cannabis setup.
“Raptor Squad officers have charged a man for alleged commercial cannabis cultivation, drug supply and farming protected or illegal reptiles in the state’s north,” police wrote. “Police will allege the home contained a 1.2-metre saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes including a cobra, 19 lizards, three hedgehogs, 28 dogs and nine cats.”
The animals were discovered during what authorities described as a drug bust that revealed what Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) called a makeshift zoo inside the residence.
Detective Brad Adby of the NSW Raptor Squad told ABC, “It’s not every day we enter a premises and there’s a saltwater crocodile in the bedroom.” He added that officers also found a hydroponic cannabis system operating inside the home, surrounded by numerous dogs. “The scene was chaotic,” he said.
Police said the investigation began after officers stopped and searched a white Toyota Hilux on Wednesday, Feb. 4, as part of inquiries into alleged drug supply and firearm possession. A subsequent property search led to the seizure of more than 52 hydroponic cannabis plants, approximately 24 pounds of cannabis leaf valued at nearly $60,000, and a rifle.
Authorities confirmed all animals were safely removed from the property and placed into appropriate care.
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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