Two California raids allegedly net alligator and over 5000 marijuana plants

 Posted on March 14, 2011 in Drug Crimes

Police in Los Angeles closed down a portion of a freeway after law enforcement executed a search warrant at a warehouse over the weekend. Police raided a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night. The warrant reportedly was related to suspicions regarding a single suspect.

When police arrived at the warehouse to serve the warrant, they say they found over 3,000 marijuana plants in the building. Law enforcement says that as many as 20 people were detained during execution of the search warrant. Police say that no arrests have been made. However, police say that potential California drug charges are pending.

Police continue to process the information and evidence seized during the search. Police claim that they gathered evidence including traces of chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The freeway was closed while police and hazardous materials teams investigated the area.

The Saturday raid came just days after police in Hemet raided a house. Police say they received an anonymous tip that someone in the East Hemet house might have been dealing drugs. Police reportedly went to the home to question the owner. Upon arrival, police say they found a drug operation in the home and then sought a search warrant.

Police reportedly executed the search warrant and seized nearly 2,300 marijuana plants from the home. Police claim that a four-foot alligator was also in the home. Law enforcement believes the 55-pound alligator was used to guard the plants in the house. The alligator was found in a black cement mixing tub filled with water near the back of the home.

Law enforcement arrested a 29-year-old man that was living in the home. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana and cultivation of marijuana for sale. The man reportedly posted $100,000 bond and was released from jail.

Source: New York Daily News, "Cops net alligator, thousands of pot plants in weekend drug busts in California," Nina Mandell 13 Mar 2011