Police in Cheshire have seized a collection of dangerous animals, including an alligator and several venomous snakes, during a series of raids. The discovery began when officers found a live venomous snake and tanks containing other snakes at a cannabis factory in Runcorn.
Following the initial raid on Allen Road, Runcorn, police confiscated 60 cannabis plants. A subsequent search of another house in Goldcrest Close, Runcorn, uncovered an alligator and a snake. Further searches at a shop in Padgate Lane, Warrington, led to the recovery of a king cobra, three monocled cobras, and a rattlesnake.
Halton Borough Council officers, supported by specialist reptile-handling staff, removed the animals. The council may prosecute under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. The animals have been taken to a safe location where they will remain in the care of reptile specialists.
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, abstracting electricity, and possessing dangerous wild animals. He has been bailed by police in Widnes pending further inquiries.
