A four-foot-long caiman was seized by police during a drugs raid in Essex, where a man and woman were arrested on suspicion of drugs and weapons offences.
The exotic reptile is now being cared for by the RSPCA following the warrant at a property in Aveley, near Grays, on Thursday, April 17.
During the raid, officers also uncovered a large quantity of cannabis and several weapons, including knives.
A 36-year-old man from Purfleet was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production, breaching the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, and possession of an offensive weapon.
A 35-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of the same offences, as well as possession with intent to supply drugs.
Essex Police stated that both have been released under investigation.
Inspector Dan Selby said: “Drugs cause misery in our communities and we work hard to tackle their production and sale.
“We know this matters to the public and we value our neighbourhoods so these issues matter to us.
“We are also ensuring the welfare of the caiman and have left it in the hands of the RSPCA.”
Caimans are native to Central and South America and are related to the alligator family. They are natural predators and feed on fish and other small mammals.
Their ideal habitat is in marshes, swamps, lakes, and mangrove rivers.
