How a Parrot Helped British Police Crack a Prison Drug Ring
Sometimes the most unexpected clues can break open a big case — even a talking parrot can do the trick. That’s exactly what happened recently in Lancashire, England, where police revealed a bizarre yet key piece of evidence in their crackdown on a prison-based drug trafficking network.
The Unlikely Star: Mango, the Drug-Dealing Parrot
Among the wild discoveries in this investigation was Mango, a parrot owned by one of the suspects. Mango wasn’t just your average pet bird. This feathered friend had apparently learned to mimic a phrase straight out of the drug trade: “two for 25.” Yep, you read that right. Police say Mango repeatedly squawked this phrase, believed to be a code for a drug deal.
In fact, one of the suspects, Shannon Hilton, had videos on her phone showing Mango uttering the phrase multiple times. Even more oddly, there was footage of the parrot playing with cash, reportedly linked to profits from the illicit operation. Police couldn’t help but highlight the irony on their Facebook page, joking about how having a parrot say “two for 25” isn’t exactly the kind of party trick you want when law enforcement comes knocking.
The Backstory: A Prison-Based Drug Operation
This wasn’t just a small-time hustle. Lancashire Constabulary charged 15 people tied to a well-organized narcotics gang that operated mainly out of Blackpool, England, between February 2023 and July 2024. The gang was led by Adam Garnett, 35, who was already behind bars serving a sentence when police discovered he was still running his drug enterprise from prison.
The investigation kicked off after prison officials conducted a search of Garnett’s cell and found multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers—both strictly banned inside prisons. This find was the thread that unraveled the entire operation, pointing police to several of Garnett’s associates outside prison walls.
The Raid and Seizures
Following the discovery, the police launched a series of raids on homes connected to the gang members, including those belonging to Hilton, Dalbir Sandhu, and Jason Gerrand. These searches yielded:
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Heroin
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Crack cocaine
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Ketamine
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Cannabis
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Large amounts of cash
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Several mobile phones allegedly used to facilitate drug deals
Videos and photos from the suspects’ phones revealed even more — including drug transactions, people flashing cash, and drug-related rap lyrics, showing how deeply ingrained the culture was.
Behind Bars but Still in Control
What’s astonishing is how Garnett continued to manage the drug network despite being imprisoned. Detectives say he used illegal mobile devices to maintain contact with nearly every member of the gang, directing operations, giving orders on hiding evidence, and keeping the flow of narcotics steady.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Alves, part of Lancashire Police’s West Targeted Crime Team, described the case as “a coordinated and complex drug operation that extended far beyond prison walls.” Alves praised the team’s hard work and collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service, crediting their efforts for bringing the criminals to justice.
Still on the Hunt
While most of the suspects have been apprehended, warrants remain active for two more people—Chloe Stott and Ryan Black. Police are asking anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward.
Sentences and Justice
The court didn’t go easy on the gang. Garnett received an extra 19 years and six months to be added to his existing 15-year sentence. Hilton, 29, was sentenced to 12 years, while Sandhu, 41, got 10 years.
Operation Warrior: Fighting Crime in Lancashire
This bust was a major win for Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s ongoing initiative aimed at tackling organized crime, drug trafficking, exploitation, and violence in the area. Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw publicly applauded the arrests and convictions, making it clear that Lancashire is serious about fighting crime.
He emphasized:
“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.”
Why This Case Stands Out
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Parrot as a witness: The fact that Mango the parrot learned a drug-dealer phrase highlights how deeply these criminal operations infiltrate everyday life, even pets!
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Prison-based control: Garnett running a drug ring from behind bars underscores the challenges law enforcement faces with smuggling and contraband devices in prisons.
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Technology’s double edge: Illegal phones and Wi-Fi routers allowed the gang to operate with surprising sophistication despite attempts to control communication within prisons.
What Can We Learn?
This story shows just how inventive and persistent organized crime groups can be, using anything and everything to maintain their operations—even parrots! At the same time, it demonstrates the power of meticulous police work and cooperation across agencies to take down complicated criminal enterprises.
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