Police find alligators in condo during drug bust

NASHVILLE - Police thought they might discover drugs when they raided the south Nashville condo of a convicted felon this week. They weren't expecting to find the three American Alligators inside the residence.

Authorities say the alligators were discovered Tuesday, along with 8 pounds of marijuana, two handguns and drug paraphernalia when police served a search warrant at the condo where Joseph Nelson Hays resides.

Court documents say Hays told police that the alligators belonged to him, but it's not clear how long he's been housing them or why.

The 32-year-old has been charged with three counts of possessing an exotic animal, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency took custody of the gators.

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