New South Wales police charged a 39-year-old after searching his Collombatti home and finding an alleged indoor cannabis farm, a rifle and more than 50 reptiles. Officers say the property contained a 1.2-metre saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes (reportedly including a cobra), 19 lizards, three hedgehogs, 28 dogs and nine cats. Authorities also seized over 52 hydroponic plants and about 24 pounds of cannabis leaf (est. $60,000 / A$85,000). The animals were removed to care and the suspect was refused bail pending a court appearance.
Cops Seize 1.2m Crocodile, 38 Snakes and Suspected Cannabis Farm in Bizarre NSW Raid
The crocodile and one of the snakes allegedly found in the man's homeNSW Police
New South Wales police have charged a 39-year-old man after a search of his Collombatti property uncovered an alleged indoor cannabis operation, a rifle and more than 50 reptiles alongside dozens of other animals.
Unusual Finds During Drug Investigation
Officers with the NSW Raptor Squad say the haul included a 1.2-metre (4-foot) saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes — reportedly including a cobra — 19 lizards, three hedgehogs, 28 dogs and nine cats. Police shared photos and video on social media showing the crocodile, a hedgehog and a white snake, as well as images of what they allege was the indoor hydroponic cannabis setup.
A photo of the man's alleged cannabis farmNSW Police
How the Raid Unfolded
Police say the investigation intensified after officers stopped and searched a white Toyota Hilux on Wednesday, Feb. 4, leading to the arrest of the 39-year-old. A subsequent search of a Collombatti property — more than 275 miles north of Sydney — uncovered the animals and evidence of a commercial-scale cannabis operation.
Detective Brad Adby, NSW Raptor Squad: It's not every day we enter a premises and there's a saltwater crocodile in the bedroom. There was a hydroponic cannabis system set up there, with 28 dogs around that. The scene was chaotic.
Items Seized and Charges
Police say they seized over 52 hydroponic cannabis plants, roughly 24 pounds of cannabis leaf (estimated street value near $60,000 / A$85,000) and a rifle. The animals were removed from the property and placed into care by appropriate authorities.
One of the hedgehogs found in the homeNSW Police
The man has been charged with multiple offences, including weapons, drug and illegal animal trading counts — among them alleged commercial cultivation of cannabis and several counts relating to dealing in or attempting to deal in protected animals. He was refused bail and was due to appear in court.
Community and Animal Welfare
Police emphasised that the animals were taken into care. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the alleged drug supply and illegal wildlife activity.
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