The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
While multiple agencies were investigating two suspects for drug trafficking, they discovered that the couple was allegedly illegally housing two African wildcats in cages in their basement.
According to reports, the Pennsylvania State Police (Troop C Vice, and SERT), and agents with the Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics were recently conducting an investigation on a home in Lawrence Township, Pennsylvania. regarding potential criminal activities. They suspected that the 33-year-old man and 27-year-old woman who reside in the house with their child were involved in drug trafficking. On June 5, law enforcement agents raided the home, and they reported that they were shocked by what they discovered during their search of the premises.
The authorities reported that they found three pounds of methamphetamine with an approximate value of $19,200, 159 grams of fentanyl (about 7,950 doses) worth $63,000, and nine grams of heroin with an estimated street value of $3,600. They were reportedly additionally concerned because they believed the substances were in a place that the couple’s youngster could easily access. In addition to the $85,000 worth of substances they allegedly discovered, police stumbled upon additional potential illegal activity when they went into the basement and saw exotic wildcats in cages. By law, it is legally necessary for one to obtain permits for these exotic animals.
Both suspects were arrested, and they are each facing preliminary charges of endangering the welfare of a child and possession with the intent to distribute, in addition to other related drug charges. According to records, at the time this was written they were still incarcerated.
The Clearfield Regional Police Department and the Blair County Drug Task Force also assisted with the initial investigation, in addition to the Pennsylvania State Game Commission, who took possession of both wildcats.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a drug offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.