Authorities continue search for missing tiger

Lauren Green | KOB

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The discovery of an alligator inside an Old Town home has turned into much more.

The small gator was sent to the ABQ BioPark Zoo to be cared for. The person with the alligator, 26-year-old Carlos Giddings, was arrested.

Investigators made the discovery because they were looking for a tiger, which has not been found.

According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the tiger is missing and cannot be located – but it is being held captive.

Instead, investigators found the alligator, two pounds of heroin, fentanyl pills, and dozens of guns.

“As it stands now, we do have state charges and will pursue federal charges if applicable, and at the same time, I think Game and Fish is continuing to look for the tiger, to see what may have happened to that,” said Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos.

Police described Giddings’ home on Mountain as a “stash house.” They searched it in mid-August, two weeks before arrested him. Giddings reportedly told investigators he was storing drugs at his home for a man named “Gordo.”

According to MDC records, Giddings was released Friday. His pretrial detention was denied.