An alligator racketeering ring has been busted in Southwest Florida.
State officials say a group of illegal wranglers are now facing felony charges of illegal possession of alligators, illegal egg harvesting and interstate transport of alligator eggs and hatchlings.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the crimes pose serious environmental and economic consequences.
A total of nine individuals were arrested for smuggling 44 alligators and selling 10,000 gator eggs.