Police carrying out a raid on a suspected drugs den nearly bit off more than they could chew after stumbling into a four-foot-long caiman crocodile and a number of dangerous snakes during their search.
Officers stumbled into the crocodile in one of the bedrooms in the property, along with 16 live snakes.
A four-foot-long caiman crocodile was found during the raid on a property in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
The crocodile was among a number of other dangerous animals found at the property
Among the potentially lethal snakes included cobras, copperheads, pythons, a Madagascan giant hognose snake, and even a scorpion was found elsewhere in the property at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
At least another seven snakes were found dead.
Detective Inspector Steve Nelson, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘The reptiles were held in very poor conditions and sadly a number had died.
‘As officers we come across many different finds during our investigations and these are among the more unusual.
‘We contacted the RSPCA, whose specialist handlers removed them from the house.
Snakes were also found at the address in Esse, including cobras, copperheads, pythons, a Madagascan giant hognose snake
The crocodile was seen found in one of the rooms inside the property. Here it was pictured on what appears to be a duvet
‘Those that survived are now in the care of the RSPCA’s Reptile Rescue centre in Brighton.
‘We are working together with the charity as part of the investigation into how these wild animals came to be kept in such conditions.’
A 36-year-old man from Basildon, Essex, was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production following a raid on an industrial unit, keeping a dangerous animal without license and animal cruelty offences.
He was released on bail until February 13 pending further enquiries.