Santa Croce Camerina police arrest man with rare crocodiles and drugs

A 53-year-old man has been arrested in Santa Croce Camerina, Sicily, following a police raid that uncovered rare wildlife, illegal drugs, and a silenced firearm. Carabinieri from the CITES unit in Catania conducted the operation after investigating suspicions of illegal possession of dangerous animals.

Officers discovered two Cuban crocodiles, approximately one year old and 45 centimeters long, inside the residence. The Cuban crocodile is a critically endangered species endemic to Cuba and is known for its aggressive behavior. The reptiles were transferred to a veterinary hospital in Messina for care.

In addition to the wildlife, authorities found an indoor greenhouse containing approximately 100 marijuana plants and 22 peyote plants, along with two kilograms of processed marijuana. The search also yielded a 9x19 caliber pistol equipped with a silencer, a magazine, and 14 cartridges. The suspect faces charges including illegal possession of endangered species, drug cultivation and trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm.