California meth bust leads to rescue of young spider monkey

A Northern California drug bust has reportedly led to the rescue of three exotic animals, including a spider monkey now being treated at the Oakland Zoo.

Deputies with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop May 6 in the unincorporated area of Vallejo, about 30 miles from San Francisco, according to a Facebook post.

The stop ended with the arrest of 50-year-old Vallejo local Clifford Vincenty and the seizure of about half a pound of methamphetamine, the post added.

County-level law enforcement executed a search warrant at Vincenty’s home the next day, where another pound of meth, over $2,000 in cash, two live rattlesnakes and a live spider monkey were reportedly found.

“Infant spider monkeys in the pet trade are often the result of their mothers and family members being shot down from the trees to capture the baby,” said Colleen Kinzley, vice president of animal care, conservation and research at the Oakland Zoo.

Violeta the monkey

Violeta is being cared for at the Oakland Zoo, where she is expected to undergo further medical testing. (Oakland Zoo/TMX)

“Many times, the baby is killed or injured due to the fall. Once they enter the pet trade, these animals typically do not receive a proper diet or adequate socialization with other monkeys, which can lead to lifelong physical and mental health issues,” Kinzley added. “It is crucial to raise awareness about the threats these animals face and to take action to end this deadly trade.”

Vincenty was charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale, according to the sheriff’s office, and faces additional charges, including “potential violations related to the possession of exotic animals.”

The investigation is ongoing. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

You May Also Like
Trump & Truth Store owner agrees to move to new location after legal battle with village of Huntley, Illinois, eviction notice

Shop owner in Trump & Truth Store to relocate following dispute with Huntley, Illinois village and eviction notice

HUNTLEY, Ill. (WLS) — The owner of a controversial northwest suburban President…
Heartbreak as Florida's beloved Thunderbird Beach Resort faces the wrecking ball

Dismay as Thunderbird Beach Resort in Florida could be demolished

An iconic resort that faced the brunt of back-to-back hurricanes will be…
‘The Bear’ Perfectly Cast Rob Reiner As Ebra’s Mentor Albert Schnur

Rob Reiner Nails His Role as Ebra’s Mentor Albert Schnur in ‘The Bear’

Following a year of waiting, The Bear has returned. Despite the chefs…
New York Real Estate Broker Flooded With Calls From Wealthy Residents Looking to Flee

Manhattan Property Agent Overwhelmed by Inquiries from Rich Clients Wanting to Escape

During a live radio segment discussing New York’s mayoral primary, I found…
Dozens become US citizens in first-ever naturalization ceremony at Chicago Midway airport: 'It means everything'

Chicago Midway Airport Hosts Inaugural Naturalization Ceremony, Dozens Become US Citizens: A Significant Moment

CHICAGO (WLS) — More than two dozen people from different countries officially…
What Time Does ‘Squid Game 3’ Come Out?

Release Schedule for ‘Squid Game Season 3’

Squid Game shocked Netflix viewers with its Season 2 cliffhanger ending last…
Ariana Grande, Sebastian Stan, Kieran Culkin and Monica Barbaro are among the actors invited to join the Film Academy.

Ariana Grande, Sebastian Stan, Kieran Culkin, and Monica Barbaro have been selected to become members of the Film Academy.

LOS ANGELES — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has…
College athlete's Pokémon Go murder gets fresh look after FBI releases suspect sketch

FBI releases sketch of suspect in the case of college athlete murdered while playing Pokémon Go

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Nearly ten years have…
Real reason Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom NEVER married as they 'split' six years after grand proposal

Why Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Never Got Married: The Truth Behind Their Breakup After Six Years of Engagement

When Orlando Bloom proposed to Katy Perry in 2019, he executed an…
Ex-camp counselor arrested after allegedly threatening violent revenge on Christian camp over firing

Former Camp Counselor Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Retaliation Against Christian Camp for Termination

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A former camp counselor…
College campuses could be ground zero for Iranian sleeper cells plotting to harm Americans, experts warn

Experts Warn of Potential Iranian Sleeper Cells on College Campuses Targeting Americans

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Experts are concerned about…
‘Wynonna Earp’ Star Melanie Scrofano Returns To SyFy With ‘Revival’: “I’ve Always Felt Good And Appreciated There”

Melanie Scrofano Makes a Comeback to SyFy with ‘Revival’ After Feeling Valued and Supported

Adapted from the well-loved Image Comics series by Tim Seeley and artist…