In an utterly bizarre twist, police seized a four-foot caiman from a UK residence where it served as a guard dog for drugs—a reminder that sometimes, the most unusual security systems involve reptiles.

Police also seized several knives and a hefty cannabis farm during the Aveley raid, underscoring the bizarre lengths drug dealers go for security. In the wake of this viral UK crime story, the caiman’s presence ignited fierce debate over exotic pet laws.