A parrot that was taught to imitate phrases associated with drugs unexpectedly assisted British police in taking down a drug network functioning within a prison, authorities disclosed this week.
The Lancashire Constabulary filed charges against 15 individuals connected to the syndicate, which purportedly distributed drugs throughout Blackpool, England, from February 2023 to July 2024. The operation was spearheaded by 35-year-old Adam Garnett, who was already incarcerated when the scheme was uncovered.
The inquiry commenced after officials searched Garnett’s prison cell and discovered several mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers. This find led law enforcement to several of his alleged accomplices, such as Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton, and Jason Gerrand. Searches in their residences uncovered heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, significant amounts of money, and mobile phones presumably linked to drug activities.
One of the more peculiar findings was from Hilton’s phone, which reportedly featured videos of her parrot, dubbed “Mango,” echoing “two for 25,” suspected to refer to a drug deal. Another video supposedly exhibited the bird interacting with cash claimed to be illicit gains.
Authorities reported additional evidence retrieved from the suspects’ phones, including videos boasting large cash stashes, drug-themed rap songs, and recorded drug deals.
Garnett received an additional sentence of 19 years and six months in prison, to be served consecutively with his present 15-year sentence. Hilton, aged 29, was sentenced to 12 years, while Sandhu, aged 41, received a 10-year sentence.
The bust was part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s initiative to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, exploitation and violence in the region. The initiative is supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who applauded the arrests and convictions.
“This sends a clear message: we will not tolerate organized crime in our communities. I remain committed to giving law enforcement the resources they need to take down these gangs and protect the public.”
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
