What exotic animals were found in the Collombatti property?

Police discovered a 4-foot crocodile, 38 snakes including a cobra, and 19 lizards at the property.

What charges does the 39-year-old man face?

The man faces charges for commercial cannabis cultivation, drug supply, weapons offenses, and dealing in protected animals.

Home / Crime and Justice / Crocodile, Snakes Found in Collombatti Drug Bust

Crocodile, Snakes Found in Collombatti Drug Bust

Q: What illegal substances were found with the animals?

Authorities found a hydroponic cannabis system, over 52 plants, and 24 pounds of cannabis leaf valued at approximately $85,000 AUD.

5 Feb

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Summary

Police discovered a crocodile and numerous exotic reptiles.
A cannabis farm and significant drug quantities were found.
The man faces charges for drug, weapons, and animal offenses.

Crocodile, Snakes Found in Collombatti Drug Bust

Authorities in New South Wales, Australia, have charged a 39-year-old man following the discovery of a makeshift zoo and a significant cannabis cultivation operation at his Collombatti property. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into alleged drug supply in the area.

During a search on February 4, 2026, officers uncovered a 1.2-meter saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes including a cobra, 19 lizards, three hedgehogs, 28 dogs, and nine cats. The property also housed a hydroponic cannabis system, over 52 plants, and 24 pounds of cannabis leaf valued at approximately $85,000 AUD.

A rifle was also seized. The man has been charged with eight counts of dealing in protected animals, cultivating prohibited plants, and weapons offenses. He was denied bail and was scheduled to appear in court on February 5, 2026. The seized animals were safely removed and placed into care.

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