Rapper DMX [ tickets ] is in hot water after Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies, on a tip of animal cruelty, found animal carcasses, a cache of guns and a half pound of suspected illegal narcotics at the oft-troubled musician's Cave Creek, AZ, home.

According to Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office, the investigation into alleged animal cruelty is ongoing. The suspected drugs, found in a locked master bedroom, are being tested to confirm their content. Arpaio said he speculated it was cocaine or methamphetamine.

No charges or arrests have been made. Friday's (8/24)search was prompted by reports that pit bulls kept by the rapper at the home in rural north Phoenix were not being given enough food or water. A dozen pit bulls were seized, the bodies of three dogs were dug up in the yard and a variety of assault-style weapons were taken from the home, Arpaio told the Associated Press.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was not home during the search.

However, DMX's lawyer, Murray Richman, told the news agency on Saturday (8/25) that he had no knowledge of narcotics at the home. He said a caretaker was caring for the dogs and "all sorts of people" were staying at the home.

Richman said DMX, a staple at nightclubs around town, had not been at the home in months. Arpaio told the newspaper that witnesses said they had seen him in the Cave Creek area more recently than that.

In 2002, Simmons pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia in New Jersey. In 1999, police said they found pipes for smoking crack cocaine, a pistol, 13 pit bulls, and pipes for smoking crack cocaine at his home.

DMX's albums include "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" and "Flesh of My Flesh," "Blood of My Blood" and "Year of the Dog ... Again."