Two crocodiles found guarding a drugs gang’s money in Amsterdam in February are to remain with their owner even though he is a suspect, according to the Telegraaf.

The reptiles were found when police conducted raids on six houses in Amsterdam and one in Almere, netting several kilos of synthetic drugs, including €500,000 worth of crystal meth, €300,000 in cash, and several firearms.

Most of the cash was in a room in one house guarded by the two crocodiles which would-be thieves would have to pass to get to the money.

The pro-animal party PvdD had called on the public prosecution department to confiscate the animals but Amsterdam’s mayor Eberhard van der Laan has now said this is impossible.

Licences

‘Possessions can only be confiscated if they may have been obtained illegally,’ the mayor is quoted as saying by the Telegraaf.

‘This is not the case here, as the suspect, a former circus performer, has been their legitimate owner for 20 years. The owner has all the necessary licences to look after the animals and is doing a good job. Detectives have looked into this closely.’

The owner is one of 11 people suspected of trading in synthetic drugs.