Alligator Confiscated From LI Home During Narcotics Search: SCPD

HAUPPAUGE, NY - An alligator was confiscated from a Hauppauge home while officers were searching for narcotics, according to the Suffolk Police.

Detectives responded to a narcotics-related search warrant at a Cardinal Lane home on Wednesday morning, police say.

During the search warrant, police discovered a small alligator that was being kept as a pet.

Three residents of the home, 22-year-old Joseph Pelosi; 27-year-old Christopher Oliveri and 51-year-old Gloria Pelosi, were arrested following the search, police said.

Joseph was charged with two counts of fifth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Oliveri was charged with seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Gloria was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

All three will be arraigned on Thursday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Police also contacted the Suffolk County SPCA and the NYS Department of Environment Conservation responded to the location to confiscate the foot-long alligator from the home.

The alligator will be placed with a sanctuary in Massachusetts. According to the SPCA, alligators are illegal to possess in New York State without a permit.

Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said that alligators are not only illegal, they are dangerous.

Photos via Suffolk SCPA