2 African wildcats seized in Pennsylvania drug bust
Two African wildcats were seized during a drug bust in central Pennsylvania, in addition to more than $85,000 worth of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
Jennifer Dixon, 27, and Nicholas Rumsey, 33, have each been charged with possession with intent to distribute, endangering the welfare of a child, and other related drug charges, according to a Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office news release.
During a search of the their residence in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania last week on June 5, about three pounds of methamphetamine, 159 grams of fentanyl, 9 grams of heroin, and $7,390 in cash were seized, according to a news release. Investigators estimate the total value of the drugs to be around $85,800.
According to Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers, about 7,950 doses of fentanyl were seized during the search.
Opioid epidemic: Drug overdose deaths plummet to pre-pandemic levels during fentanyl crisis
During the search, two African wildcats were located in the basement of Dixon and Rumsey's residence, a news release states. The animals appeared to be unlawfully kept, as permits are required to keep wildcats in the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Game Commission confiscated the wildcats as part of an ongoing investigation.
"The rescue of these African wildcats serves the dual benefit of protecting these exotic creatures and protecting the people in that neighborhood," Sayers said in a news release.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission did not immediately respond for comment about the status of the African wildcats when contacted by USA TODAY on June 11.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 African wildcats seized in Pennsylvania drug bust
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