Authorities say police searching a Cincinnati home during a drug case made an unexpected discovery - a pair of 4-foot alligators.

City prosecutor Charlie Rubenstein tells The Cincinnati Enquirer he initially thought authorities were joking when they told him they found the gators on Monday. Rubenstein says the alligators were kept in a pit outside the house.

Police also seized marijuana from the home. A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged with drug possession and trafficking, as well as violating a city ordinance by keeping the reptiles.

A defense attorney says the alligators don't belong to the suspect. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond.

The animals have been shipped to a rescue facility.

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