Manitowoc teens found with marijuana, crocodile

Teens, marijuana — and a crocodile — were found by investigators Thursday inside a Manitowoc residence.

The Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit searched a house in the 1400 block of South 14th Street after receiving information from Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office personnel, who smelled marijuana while at the location to find a man wanted on a local warrant.

Six teenagers were inside the residence, and about a half pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and items indicative of drug sales were found. All of the teens admitted they were smoking marijuana, Metro Drug Unit Lt. Dave Remiker said.

An approximately 3-foot-long crocodile also was discovered in the basement of the residence. Investigators determined the reptile — which is not permitted within city limits — was neglected and possibly in poor health.

Officers removed the crocodile from the residence and turned it over to Wildlife of Wisconsin.

The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending, Remiker said.