Latest news with #DalbirSandhu
Fox News
5 days ago
- Fox News
Parrot helps law enforcement uncover drug trafficking ring, leading to major bust
A parrot trained to mimic drug-related phrases played an unlikely role in helping British police dismantle a narcotics network operating inside a prison, authorities revealed this week. The Lancashire Constabulary announced charges against 15 people linked to the gang, which allegedly trafficked drugs across Blackpool, England, between February 2023 and July 2024. The group was led by 35-year-old Adam Garnett, who was already serving a prison sentence when the operation was uncovered. The investigation began after prison officials searched Garnett's cell and found multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers. That discovery led police to several of his suspected associates, including Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton and Jason Gerrand. Searches of their homes turned up heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, large sums of cash and mobile phones allegedly tied to the drug trade. One of the more bizarre findings came from Hilton's phone, which police say contained videos showing her parrot, named "Mango," repeating "two for 25," a suspected drug deal reference. Another clip reportedly showed the bird playing with cash allegedly linked to illicit profits. "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 also uncovered video calls between Hilton and Garnett, along with footage appearing to show kilogram-sized packages of cocaine, sometimes accompanied by music lyrics referencing the drug. Despite being behind bars, authorities say Garnett remained at the center of the operation, directing efforts to hide evidence and maintaining contact with nearly every member of the criminal network. Det. Sgt. Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police's West Targeted Crime Team praised the outcome, calling it 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 added that warrants remain active for Chloe Stott and Ryan Black and urged the public to come forward with any information about their whereabouts. Authorities say additional evidence from suspects' phones included videos flaunting large amounts of cash, drug-related rap lyrics and documented drug transactions. Garnett was sentenced to an additional 19 years and six months in prison to be served consecutively with his existing 15-year term. Hilton, 29, received 12 years while Sandhu, 41, was sentenced to 10. 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
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Talking parrot helps bring down drugs gang
A talking parrot has helped bring down a major drugs operation after a gang member taught the pet how to say phrases used by dealers, like "two for 25". The bird was discovered when police raided homes in Blackpool where officers also seized large amounts of heroin and cocaine. Ringleader Adam Garnett, 35, ran the gang from inside prison from 2023 to 2024. A search of his cell uncovered phones which had videos showing kilo blocks of drugs and footage of his girlfriend's pet parrot Mango talking and playing with drugs money. After Garnett's cell search, police identified his next-in-command were his girlfriend Shannon Hilton, 29, of no fixed address, Dalbir Sandhu, 41, of Beech Road, Cleveleys and Jason Gerrand, 50, of Shore Road, Thornton-Cleveleys. A video on Hilton's phone revealed her laughing as she taught the bird to say "two for 25" in front of a child. Police handout Sandhu's phone revealed he kept a record in his notes of his dealings, including price lists and transactions, Lancashire Police said. He was also found to have researched and sent links to stories discussing county lines to his contacts. Despite being in prison, Garnett had communication channels with practically all members of the gang he controlled, the force said. Videos found on the phone of another gang member, Gareth Burgess, 45, of Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, but formerly of Blackpool, showed him walking through the resort, carrying a significant amount of cash, and rapping about his criminality. Police handout A total of 15 gang members pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to drug offences between February 2023 and July 2024. Garnett was sentenced to 19 years and six months, while Hilton was handed a 12-year jail term and Sandhu was sentenced to 10 years. Gerrand was sentenced to eight years and three months and Burgess was jailed for seven years and four months. Chloe Stott and Ryan Black were sentenced in their absence as they failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant is now out for their arrest. Stott, 24, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, was sentenced to seven years while Black, 27, of Jameson Street, Blackpool, was sentenced to five years. Police handout Det Sgt Anthony Alves said: "Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court. "If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know. "We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Cleveleys Parrots Blackpool
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Talking parrot helps bring down crime gang after it is caught on video repeating drug-dealing phrases
A talking parrot has helped bring down a major drug gang after it was caught saying 'two for 25' on camera. Mango the parrot was found when officers raided homes in Blackpool, where they seized large amounts of cocaine and heroin. Drug kingpin Adam Garnett and the 14 people who worked for him have today been jailed for a combined total of more than 103 years. Their illegal activities were first uncovered when Adam Garnett, who was already a serving prisoner, had a number of mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers discovered in a cell search. Police then connected Garnett to his second-in-command associates Dalbir Sandhu and Jason Gerrand as well as his girlfriend Shannon Hilton Their houses were searched and police found large quantities of drugs, cash, and phones all linking the gang to one another. Officers seized cash, heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, as well as mobile phones. They were forensically matched to the defendants. As part of the searches of the phone belonging to Shannon Hilton, Garnett's girlfriend, a number of videos were found. Footage showed Hilton teaching her pet parrot to say 'two for 25' in front of a child, and of the parrot playing with money which was gained through their illegal activities. Mango the parrot was seen saying 'two for 25' in front of a child, as well as playing with money which was gained through their illegal activities Drug kingpin Adam Garnett and the 14 people who worked for him have today been jailed for a total of more than 103 years More videos included evidence of video calls between Hilton and Garnett, videos of what appear to be kilo blocks of cocaine, with music including the lyric 'cocaine' over the top. The gang operated between February 2023 and July 2024 in the Blackpool area. Upon searching Sandhu's phone, it was found that Garnett often directed people to the trusted key member of the gang. He was found to have researched and sent links to stories discussing county lines to his contacts and kept a record in the notes of his phone of his dealings, including price lists and records of transactions. Despite being in prison, ringleader Garnett was involved in moving evidence so that police could not find it. It was also discovered that he had methods to communicate with nearly every member of the organised crime group he controlled. A number of videos were also found on Gareth Burgess' phone, including one which showed him walking through Blackpool, carrying a significant amount of cash, and rapping about his criminality. In total, 15 people were arrested, and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, charged with offences. They all pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court. Adam Garnett, 35, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 19 years and six months, which he will have to serve consecutive to his existing 15 year prison term. Shannon Hilton, 29, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. She was sentenced to 12 years. Dalbir Sandhu, 41, of Chesterfield Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 10 years . Jason Gerrand, 50, of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs . He was sentenced to eight years and three months. DS Anthony Alves of the Lancashire Police West Targeted Crime Team said: 'These people ran a sophisticated operation to supply class A drugs across Blackpool. 'Garnett continued to run his operation whilst in prison, communicating with the members of his organised crime gang through illegal methods. 'I welcome the sentences handed down today following the lengthy and complex investigation. I want to thank my team, the Crown Prosecution Service and our prosecution barristers Sarah Magill and Holly Nelson for their work in bringing these people to justice. 'Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court today. If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know. 'We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise.' Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner said: 'Successful outcomes like this demonstrate officers' tireless work to protect the public and show that Lancashire is taking a relentless approach to tackling organised crime. 'I remain fully committed to supporting the Chief Constable, ensuring our officers and staff have the resources they need to dismantle criminal gangs, drive offenders out of our communities, and deliver justice.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Talking parrot helps bring down Blackpool drugs gang
A talking parrot has helped bring down a major drugs operation after a gang member taught it how to say phrases used by dealers, like "two for 25".The bird was discovered when police raided homes in Blackpool where officers also seized large amounts of heroin and Adam Garnett, 35, ran the Blackpool-based gang from inside prison in 2023 to 2024. A search of his cell uncovered phones which had videos showing kilo blocks of drugs and footage of his girlfriend's pet parrot Mango talking and playing with drugs money. After Garnett's cell search, police identified his next-in-command were his girlfriend Shannon Hilton, 29, of no fixed address, Dalbir Sandhu, 41, of Beech Road, Cleveleys and Jason Gerrand, 50, of Shore Road, Thornton-Cleveleys.A video on Hilton's phone revealed her laughing as she taught the bird to say "two for 25" in front of a child. Sandhu's phone revealed he kept a record in his notes of his dealings, including price lists and transactions, Lancashire Police was also found to have researched and sent links to stories discussing county lines to his being in prison, Garnett had communication channels with practically all members of the gang he controlled, the force found on the phone of another gang member, Gareth Burgess, 45, of Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, but formerly of Blackpool, showed him walking through the resort, carrying a significant amount of cash, and rapping about his criminality. A total of 15 gang members pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to drug offences between February 2023 and July was sentenced to 19 years and six months, while Hilton was handed a 12-year jail term and Sandhu was sentenced to 10 was sentenced to eight years and three months and Burgess was jailed for seven years and four Stott and Ryan Black were sentenced in their absence as they failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant is now out for their 24, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, was sentenced to seven years while Black, 27, of Jameson Street, Blackpool, was sentenced to five years. Det Sgt Anthony Alves said: "Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court. "If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know."We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Yahoo
Talking parrot and prison phones: Drug gang led by inmate jailed for 103 years
A man who ran a drugs line from prison, and the 14 people who worked for him have today (August 4) been jailed for a total of more than 103 years, following an investigation into the supply of class A drugs in Blackpool. Adam Garnett, who was already a serving prisoner, had a number of mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers discovered in a cell search. Following enquiries after this find, Garnett's second-in-command people were identified as Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton and Jason Gerrand. Searches of their home addresses found large quantities of drugs, cash, and phones all linking the gang to one another. The gang operated between February 2023 and July 2024 in the Blackpool area. Cash, heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, plus mobile phones were seized. These were forensically matched to the defendants. As part of the searches of the phone belonging to Shannon Hilton, Garnett's girlfriend, a number of videos were found. These videos included evidence of video calls between Hilton and Garnett, videos of what appear to be kilo blocks of cocaine, with music including the lyric 'cocaine' over the top, and footage of her teaching her pet parrot to say 'two for 25', a phrase picked up as part of common language used by the organised crime gang, in front of a child. The video also showed the parrot playing with money which was gained through their illegal activities. Upon searching Sandhu's phone, it was found that Garnett often directed people to the trusted key member of the OCG. He was found to have researched and sent links to stories discussing county lines to his contacts and kept a record in the notes of his phone of his dealings, including price lists and records of transactions. County lines are run by 'line holders' and the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. It was discovered that Garnett, as the leading member, and despite being in prison, was involved in the orchestration of moving evidence so that police could not find it and had communication channels with practically all the members of the organised crime group he controlled. A number of videos were also found on Gareth Burgess' phone, including one which showed him walking through Blackpool, carrying a significant amount of cash, and rapping about his criminality. 15 people were arrested, and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, charged with offences. They all pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court. Adam Garnett, 35, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 19 years and six months, which he will have to serve consecutive to his existing 15 year prison term. Shannon Hilton, 29, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. She was sentenced to 12 years. Dalbir Sandhu, 41, of Chesterfield Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 10 years . Jason Gerrand, 50, of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs . He was sentenced to eight years and three months. Gareth Burgess, 45, of Clayton Crescent, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to seven years and seven months. Dean Baker, 33, of Norfolk Avenue, Thornton Cleveleys, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to seven years and four months. Thomas Bird, 31, of Bolton Street, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to eight years 9 months for the conspiracy with an additional 6 months for activating a suspended sentence totalling nine years and three months. Chloe Stott, 24, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. She failed to appear at court for sentencing but was sentenced to seven years and seven months in her absence. A warrant is now out for her arrest. Jack Faryniarz, 22, of Dickson Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and burglary. He was sentenced to eight years and nine months. William Ogden, 21, of Spencer Court, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply. He was sentenced to eight years. Ryan Black, 27, of Jameson Street, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He failed to appear for sentencing, but was sentenced to five years in his absence, and a warrant is now out for his arrest. Rachel Johnson, 34, of Brock Avenue, Fleetwood, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. She pleaded Guilty to assisting an OCG and was sentenced to 15 months suspended for 12 months and will have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. Jamie Robinson, 22, of Airdrie Place, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He pleaded Guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to two years, suspended for two years. He will also have to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Jadene Grady, 26, of Onslow Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply a class A drug. She pleaded Guilty to assisting an OCG at Preston crown court, and was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for 12 months and will have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. DS Anthony Alves of our West Targeted Crime Team said: 'These people ran a sophisticated operation to supply class A drugs across Blackpool. 'Garnett continued to run his operation whilst in prison, communicating with the members of his organised crime gang through illegal methods. 'I welcome the sentences handed down today following the lengthy and complex investigation. I want to thank my team, the Crown Prosecution Service and our prosecution barristers Sarah Magill and Holly Nelson for their work in bringing these people to justice. 'Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court today. If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know. 'We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise.' Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police's response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. It aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities. Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire police and crime commissioner said: "Successful outcomes like this demonstrate officers' tireless work to protect the public and show that Lancashire is taking a relentless approach to tackling organised crime. "I remain fully committed to supporting the Chief Constable, ensuring our officers and staff have the resources they need to dismantle criminal gangs, drive offenders out of our communities, and deliver justice." If you believe that someone may be involved in drugs activity in your area, please do the responsible thing and report it. You can call 101, or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is ongoing, please always call 999.
