Posted at: 06/18/2009 9:56 PM
Updated at: 06/19/2009 7:51 AM
By: Charlie Pabst, KOB.com

Gators found in drug raid

Four alligators greeted Albuquerque police officers during a drug raid at a Northwest Albuquerque home Thursday.

Each of the alligators measured about two feet and were found inside a home near Coors and Ouray NW along with two pythons and two pit bulls.

Police say the animals were found inside Damon Hatanaka�s home. Officers say they also found more than three ounces of crack cocaine in his home.

Animal officials say Hatanaka has a few days to come get his gators.

Rick DeReyes with Albuquerque Animal Welfare said, "If these four alligators aren't reclaimed by Sunday, then more than likely we'll take these to where we took the others to Alamosa, Colorado to the alligator sanctuary."

Animal welfare officials say they�ve gotten some gators at the shelter before. It is legal to own alligators in the state of New Mexico.