Alligator, marijuana seized after police search Richmond smoke shop

By: News Staff

Reporting By Kirsten Glavin

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

RICHMOND, R.I. (WLNE) — A South Kingstown man was arrested for possessing a 4-foot-long alligator without the proper permits, after Richmond Police stumbled upon the reptile during a search of his smoke shop for illegal marijuana.

Edward Hauser, 43, of Winchester Road, was charged with possession of marijuana (over one ounce) after a court-authorized search warrant lead to the seizure of 3.6 ounces of marijuana from the smoke shop called “Pass the Glass” on Kingstown Road, in Wyoming.

During the search on Thursday, June 8th, officers also located an alligator, named ‘Gucci’ that was being housed in a makeshift tank on the second floor of the business.  Officials from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) responded to retrieve the reptile and brought it to Pure Paradise Pets in Johnston for proper care and housing.

Hauser is scheduled to appear in 4th District Court on June 29th, 2017 for arraignment.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017