Fighting Roosters and Drugs Seized in Iredell County

Authorities busted up a drug operation in western Iredell County but they also discovered what appears to be a cockfighting ring.

Sheriff's deputies and U.S. Customs agents found cocaine and marijuana in an illegal immigrant's house Tuesday night.

The suspect, Serapio Garcia Abonza, returned home from work just after the search started.

Deputies first checked an outbuilding where they found cocaine hidden in a utility building.

When they entered the house, deputies found three pounds of marijuana in the refrigerator and a 15-pound block of pot as big as a suitcase in a bedroom closet.

They also discovered nearly three dozen roosters in which they believe were bred to fight.

The investigation started more than a year ago after neighbors filed complaints about the homeowner.

As WBTV's David Whisenant reports, law enforcement officers didn't know the gamecocks were there until they raided the house for drugs. Press "PLAY" to see this story.

http://www.wbtv.com/news/topstories/11160046.html