Raptor Squad charge man for allegedly growing cannabis and farming exotic snakes, lizards and a crocodile
Thursday, 05 February 2026 10:29:54 AM
Raptor Squad officers have charged a man for alleged cannabis cultivation, drug supply and farming protected or illegal reptiles in the state’s north.
In November 2025, detectives attached State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad commenced an investigation into the alleged supply of drugs and possession of firearms near Kempsey.
As part of ongoing investigations, about 10am yesterday (Wednesday 4 February 2026) the Raptor Squad – with assistance of the North Coast Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team – stopped and searched a white Toyota Hilux in Kempsey – and arrested a 39-year-old man.
Following inquiries, a short time later investigators executed a crime scene warrant at a property in Collombatti.
During the search, detectives allegedly discovered a large hydroponic cannabis set up, a firearm and a makeshift zoo full of dozens of native and exotic reptiles.
Police will allege inside the home was a 1.3 metre saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes including a Cobra, 19 lizards, 3 hedgehogs, 28 dogs and 9 cats.
Raptor Squad officers – with the assistance of the RSPCA, Kempsey Shire Council, licensed reptile handlers and biodiversity regulators from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – safely removed the animals and placed them into care.
Investigators also allegedly seized 52 hydroponic plants, 11 kilograms of cannabis leaf with a street value of $85,000, as well as a rifle concealed inside the kitchen.
The 39-year-old man was taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was charged with:
Enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis for commercial purpose
Cultivate prohibited plant commercial quantity-cannabis
Supply cannabis indictable & commercial quantity
8 counts of deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal
Possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority
Possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm
Not keep firearm safely prohibited firearm
Firearm found at premises-subject to prohibition order
Owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises
He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court 1 today (Thursday 5 February 2026).
