Department of Justice agents raided an East Hemet house Monday night and seized almost 2,300 marijuana plants valued at least $1.5 million -- and a four-foot alligator being used to help guard the stash.
Agents with Arcnet, the Allied Riverside Cities Narcotics Enforcement Team, raided the house and found what they described as a "watchgator" named Wally in a back room, where it was living in a black cement-mixing tub full of water.
One man was arrested, and the gator was taken to a sanctuary in San Bernardino County's High Desert.
The gator, which weighed about 55 pounds, was reported to the California Department of Fish and Game, which then contacted the Phelan-based Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary.
"He was extremely healthy -- a little too well taken care of," said Joel Almquist, who runs the sanctuary. "It's still an alligator; some are pretty mellow, but if you get bit by a three-footer, you're going to remember it for a long time. It's kind of like being bit by a vise with teeth. It's not a pleasant experience."
Well, at least they took good care of the 'gator. I had a pet cayman when I was a teenager. I took it to high school for biology class and it died in a cold snap.
Gator was mellow. Wonder why?
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