By ANNA USHER

A freshwater crocodile has been found in the backyard of a lower north shore home – a jaw-dropping discovery that has now landed a Chatswood man in court.

Officers were called to a property in Hawthorne Avenue about 7pm on January 3, where police will allege they located four gel blaster rifles while inside the premises.

A 44-year-old Chatswood man was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station.

Police say a further search of the premises then uncovered a clandestine laboratory in the garage, prompting investigators to apply for – and be granted – a crime scene warrant.

While executing that warrant, detectives allegedly seized an additional black Glock-style pistol gel blaster.

But it was the snappy backyard surprise that took this case into “you couldn’t make it up” territory.

While in the yard, police located a juvenile freshwater crocodile – and will further allege the man did not have the appropriate licences to be housing the protected animal.

The crocodile was relocated by police.

The man was charged with four offences, including:

• Possess unauthorised firearm
• Acquire firearm part without authority to do so
• Deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal

He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Hornsby Local Court on February 3, 2026.

Police say investigations are ongoing into the alleged clandestine laboratory and further charges are likely.

North Shore Police Area Command has reminded the public it is illegal to own or possess a gel blaster gun in NSW without a valid firearms licence or permit.