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Home / World

Python with a problem: Meet the two-metre long jungle snake addicted to meth

Daily Mail
11 Apr, 2017 03:13 AM2 mins to read

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A python found in a meth lab has been checked into rehab. Source: 7 News

A two-metre python seized by police on a raid of a methamphetamine lab, was so addicted to drugs it had to be checked into a prison rehabilitation facility.

The giant snake instantly caught the attention of police when it snapped at officers and later acted aggressively towards animal handlers during the raid in mid-2016, according to the Daily Mail.

Wildlife experts soon realised that while cooped up inside the drug den the python had been exposed to methamphetamine particles and had in fact become addicted to 'ice'.

Just like treatment for a drug-addicted human, the serpent was checked into the Corrective Services NSW Wildlife Care Centre at Windsor, south of Sydney.

And according to wildlife authorities, the affect of the drugs on the serpent was clear to see when it was handed over.

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"He was totally on edge, jittery, slithering and wanting to strike," snake handler Ian Mitchell told the Daily Telegraph.

"Normally these pythons can be a little bit snappy, they are constrictors and not poisonous, and they just lie around.

"This one was very aggressive and had very erratic behaviour."

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Once inside the 'python prison', it took the snake close to a month to get the drug out of its system, and only seven months later was back to normal.

The snake was cared for by rehabilitating criminals in the John Maroney Correctional Centre, located alongside the Wildlife Centre.

According to Corrective Services, snakes are the pet of choice for drug dealers and bikies, who use their tanks to store drugs and weapons.

Discover more

World

Girl, 9, wakes up wrapped in a snake

14 Apr 10:40 PM
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