British police seized a 4-foot-long caiman, a carnivorous reptile native to Central and South America, during a drugs raid in Essex.[1] Officers found the animal at a property in Aveley, a small town in Essex on the outskirts of Greater London.[1] Officers arrested two people during the raid.[1] A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis, contravening the dangerous wildlife act and possessing an offensive weapon.[1] A 35-year-old woman was arrested on the same charges and also on suspicion of possessing with intent to supply drugs.[1] Both people were later released under investigation.[1]

Officers also seized what police described as a significant cannabis grow at the property.[1] Officers also seized several weapons, including knives.[1] Police released a photo of the caiman in a makeshift tank and entrusted the animal to the RSPCA, Britain’s largest animal welfare charity.[1] Inspector Dan Selby of the Grays Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers work hard to tackle drug production and sale because drugs cause misery in communities.[1]