A parrot trained to repeat drug-related phrases played an unlikely role in helping British police dismantle a narcotics network operating inside a Lancashire prison. The investigation began when prison officials searched the cell of 35-year-old Adam Garnett, a man already serving a prison sentence, and discovered multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers. These findings led authorities to several of his suspected associates, including Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton, and Jason Gerrand. Upon searching their homes, police uncovered heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, large sums of cash, and devices linked to the drug trade.
One of the more astonishing discoveries came from Hilton’s phone, which contained videos showing her parrot, named ‘Mango,’ repeating phrases like ‘two for 25,’ a suspected reference to a drug deal. Another clip reportedly showed the bird interacting with cash allegedly tied to illicit profits. The parrot’s unusual behavior became a key piece of evidence, highlighting how even the most unexpected elements can contribute to law enforcement’s efforts.
Criminal activity extended beyond the prison walls as investigators uncovered video calls between Hilton and Garnett, along with footage depicting kilogram-sized packages of cocaine, sometimes accompanied by music lyrics referencing the drug. Despite being incarcerated, Garnett maintained control over the operation, directing efforts to hide evidence and maintaining contact with nearly every member of the criminal network. His ability to orchestrate the operation from prison underscores the sophistication of modern organized crime.
The case has sparked widespread discussion about the role of technology in modern criminal operations and the innovative methods police use to combat such threats. Detective Sergeant Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police’s West Targeted Crime Team praised the outcome, calling it a