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Four-foot caiman among items seized in police search as two arrested

The animal was found by officers executing a warrant at an address in Aveley, near Grays, on Thursday.

By contributor Harry Stedman, PA
Published
Caiman seized Essex Police
The caiman was found by police on Thursday (Essex Police/PA)

A four-foot-long caiman was among the items seized by police as two people were arrested on suspicion of drugs and weapons offences.

The animal, which has been handed over to the RSPCA, was found by officers executing a warrant at an address in Aveley, near Grays, on Thursday, Essex Police said.

A significant cannabis haul and several weapons including knives were also discovered and seized.

Caiman seized Essex Police
(Essex Police/PA)

A 36-year-old man, from Purfleet, was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, contravention of the dangerous wildlife act and possession of an offensive weapon, while a 35-year-old woman was arrested for the same offences as well as on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, the force said.

Both have since been released under investigation.

Inspector Dan Selby, from Essex Police, 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.”

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