Police in Clearfield County recovered more than just drugs during the search of a home earlier this month.
According to a press release from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, two African wildcats were discovered at a home in Lawrence Township during a drug raid.
Jennifer Dixon, 27, and Nicholas Rumsey, 33, have been charged with possession with intent to distribute, endangering the welfare of a child, and other related drug charges.
On June 5, according to the release, law enforcement officials served a search warrant at home. They found: three pounds of methamphetamine, valued at $19,200; 159 grams of fentanyl, valued at $63,000; nine grams of heroin, valued at $3,600; close to $7,390 in cash; and the two wildcats
The wildcats were living in cages in the basement of the home. The Pennsylvania State Game Commission came and confiscated them. Permits are required to own these animals.
“The recovery and rescue of these wildcats provides the animals with opportunities to live safer, healthier lives — not caged in the basement of this home. I am grateful to Pennsylvania State Police and all the agencies involved in this operation for this remarkable seizure,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said in the press release.
“A large drug bust like this is the result of hard work and diligent investigative efforts by law enforcement,” Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers said in the release. “Thanks to the efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police and agents with the Attorney General’s Office, approximately 7,950 doses of fentanyl will not make it to the streets of Clearfield County. Additionally, the rescue of these African wildcats serves the dual benefit of protecting these exotic creatures and protecting the people in that neighborhood.”
The Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.