A SURPRISE greeted police carrying out house raids. As well as drugs, jewellery and a weapon, they found a haul of exotic reptiles.

A stunned detective who led officers executing search warrants on two adjoining houses on Dowry Street, Fitton Hill, Oldham, described the scenes inside as `like a zoo'.

Hundreds of gecko lizards, some roaming freely and others in tanks, were discovered, alongside a 15ft boa constrictor snake and two macaws.

Sgt Rob Howarth, from Oldham's Operational Support Unit, said the house was also riddled with bugs and beetles.

Nine of the lizards were seized and taken into care by the RSPCA.

Drugs, thought to be cannabis and amphetamine worth £5,000, chemicals used to mix drugs, a haul of distinctive jewellery and a large machete were seized during the raids early yesterday.

Three men, aged 25, 35 and 42, and two women aged 44 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply. All were bailed until January.