Local

Police seize drugs, guns, lizards from Milton home

MILTON, Ga. — Police seized drugs, guns and lizards from a Milton home during a raid

Alpharetta police say they got a tip about a drug operation at a home on Birmingham Road.

"We located a growing operation, one that was technologically savvy,” Alpharetta Police Officer George Gordon said.

Only Channel 2 Action News was there as members of North Fulton SWAT raided the house on Nov. 19.

Gordon says detectives confiscated $12,000 worth of marijuana.

"(There were) baggies labeled with the alleged flavor of different types of marijuana,” Gordon said.

Gordon says officers also found a dozen guns, including at least one high-powered rifle.

"That was concerning to us,” he said.

Gordon says officers arrested two men, Scott Ellison and Alexander Johnston, and have warrants for a third.

"Inside that residence we found about 15-20 aquariums that, according to one of the owners, contained about $180,000 worth of exotic lizards, exotic pets. That was just strange upon doing the search at the residence,” Gordon said.

One neighbor told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik that she was surprised to hear about the bust.

"We knew something big was going on, but we didn't know exactly what it was,” she said. "It's very scary to know it's right next door to you.”

Police say they have warrants to arrest Stephen Macdonald. They say he has an attorney and is negotiating his surrender.

All three men have a court hearing on Friday.