Watch: Parrot's street talk lands UK drug dealers in cage- Here's how 'Mango' helped police

Time of India

a day ago

A chatty parrot with a knack for drug slang has helped British police crack down on a prison drug ring, squawking its way into an unlikely role in a major narcotics bust, authorities revealed this week.
The Lancashire Constabulary filed charges against 15 individuals connected to the gang, which purportedly distributed drugs across Blackpool, England, from February 2023 to July 2024. The operation was orchestrated by 35-year-old Adam Garnett whilst serving a prison sentence, Fox News reported.
The case unfolded after prison staff discovered multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers during a search of Garnett's cell.
This finding led investigators to his alleged associates, including Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton and Jason Gerrand.
Subsequent home searches revealed heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, substantial cash amounts and mobile phones connected to
drug trafficking
.
A notable discovery came from Hilton's phone, containing recordings of her parrot "Mango" repeating "two for 25," believed to be drug transaction terminology.
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Additional footage showed the bird interacting with money allegedly obtained through illegal activities.
Video:
"What's the most talented thing your pet can do? Sit? Give paw? How about speak?" Lancashire Police wrote in a post on the department's Facebook page.
"One drug dealer's parrot learned to say 'two for 25' - a phrase picked up as part of common language used by the organised crime gang run by her boyfriend. Not a phrase you want your parrot squawking when the police come knocking!"
Investigators uncovered video communications between Hilton and Garnett, including footage displaying kilogram-sized cocaine packages, occasionally accompanied by drug-referencing song lyrics.
Despite his imprisonment, Garnett reportedly maintained central control, directing evidence concealment efforts and maintaining communication with virtually all network members.
Det. Sgt. Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police's West Targeted Crime Team commended the results, describing it as a "coordinated and complex drug operation that extended far beyond prison walls."
"Garnett continued to run his enterprise while incarcerated, using illegal devices to maintain control.
I want to thank my team, our partners at the Crown Prosecution Service, and our prosecution team for their dedication to bringing these criminals to justice."
He noted that warrants remain active for Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, requesting public assistance in locating them.
Police reported additional evidence from suspects' devices included videos displaying large cash sums, drug-themed rap lyrics and documented narcotic transactions.
Garnett received an additional 19 years and six months imprisonment, consecutive to his existing 15-year sentence. Hilton, 29, received 12 years whilst Sandhu, 41, was given 10 years.
The operation formed part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police's initiative targeting organised crime, drug trafficking, exploitation and violence. Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw supported the initiative and praised the results.
"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."