HAVERHILL — When police conducted a drug raid at a High Street apartment this morning, they got an unexpected surprise — an alligator was inside the home.
Police said the alligator was being kept in a reptile pool and that its food — mice and rats — was stored in a freezer in the apartment at 138 High St. The reptile is two feet long and could grow as large as 13 feet, said Animal Control Officer Michelle Hamel.
Hamel placed the alligator in a plastic container covered by a lid and transported it to the city animal shelter behind the Highway Department garage on Primrose Street. Police said these kinds of animals are often purchased in New Hampshire pet stores when they are young.
During the raid, police arrested Daniel Tiberio, 20, 138 High St., and William Morris, 40, 2 Jackson St. They were charged with trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to violate drug laws, police said.
The raid happened around 10:20 a.m. at the apartment, which is located near the top of High Street, just off Currier Square, police said.
Police originally said the animal was a caiman crocodile, but after inspecting it, they said it is an alligator.
A complete report will appear in Thursday's edition of The Eagle-Tribune.
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