A 4ft-long (1.2m) caiman has been seized by police during a drugs raid at a property.
Essex Police said the crocodile-like reptile was found in Aveley alongside a “significant cannabis grow” and weapons including knives.
A man and a woman in their 30s were arrested during the operation in the Purfleet Road area on Thursday.
The force said both had been released under investigation and the reptile was being looked after by the RSPCA.
A 36-year-old man and 35-year-old woman, both from Purfleet, were questioned on suspicion of production of cannabis, contravention of the Dangerous Wildlife Act and possession of an offensive weapon.
Insp Dan Selby said: “Drugs cause misery in our communities and we work hard to tackle their production and sale.
“We know this matters to the public and we value our neighbourhoods, so these issues matter to us.
“We are also ensuring the welfare of the caiman and have left it in the hands of the RSPCA.”
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