Rapper DMX, real name Earl Simmons, has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and drug possession, following a raid at his Arizona home, police said.

DMX first raised suspicion of animal cruelty in August last year, when authorities performed a raid of his home in Phoenix, Arizona following complaints from neighbors that he abused dogs on his property and found reason to arrest him. A dozen apparently neglected dogs were found, with no food or water supply nearby.

Seven months into the investigation regarding possible animal abuse, a SWAT team raided his home in Phoenix at 3 a.m. Friday, May 9, the Associated Press reported. DMX was subsequently arrested on drug and animal-cruelty charges. Five pit bull puppies, several weapons and unspecified illegal drugs were seized by police.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said DMX, 37, had attempted to barricade himself in his bedroom when officers arrived at his home. He eventually surrendered without further resistance.

The rapper was taken to a nearby jail in Maricopa County and released on $7,500 bail.

Authorities have expressed little understanding for the situation with the animals, as exemplified by Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who can find the rapper no excuse.

“With all his money and fame, [DMX] has no excuse for not providing proper care for his animals,” said Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. “He has a long criminal history and obviously has no respect for the law.”

DMX was charged with seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four counts of felony drug possession, Arpaio told E! Online. He's due in court May 15.

Earlier last week, on Tuesday, DMX was arrested for driving as fast as 114 miles an hour on a freeway.

DMX’s New York-based lawyer Murray Richman has in turn expressed doubt that the animal abuse charges could be sustained. “I think that the animal cruelty is not going to be able to be established and I think that this is Sheriff Joe’s moment,” he said, arguing that his client’s traffic violation bothered the official.

Back in August, 12 pit bull mixes were taken from the premises of DMX’s home and taken to a veterinary ER to be treated for dehydration and malnutrition. Three dog carcasses were found by detectives, partially buried, further complicating the rapper’s situation.

Weapons and drugs (half a pound of cannabis) were also found inside the house at the time. DMX claimed he had been away for the past two months and that the caretaker had not done his duty.