A pet parrot named Mango has played an unexpected role in bringing down a major drug gang in Blackpool, England — helping police arrest and convict 15 members, including the ringleader who was operating from behind bars.
Bird’s Words Uncover Drug Network
The breakthrough came when Lancashire Police raided multiple homes, seizing heroin, cocaine, cash, and mobile phones linked to the gang. On one seized device, officers discovered videos of Mango repeating dealer phrases like “two for 25” — a slang reference to drug deals — alongside footage of the bird playing with wads of cash.
Gang Leader Running Operations from Prison
Investigations revealed that Adam Garnett, 35, had been running the county lines drug network from prison between 2023 and 2024. A search of his cell uncovered mobile phones containing videos of kilo-sized drug blocks and evidence linking him to key associates, including his girlfriend Shannon Hilton, 29, Dalbir Sandhu, 41, and Jason Gerrand, 50.
On Hilton’s phone, police found disturbing footage of her teaching Mango the incriminating phrase in front of a child. Sandhu’s phone contained drug price lists, transaction notes, and news articles about county lines trafficking methods.
Evidence of Cash, Drugs, and Music Videos
Other gang members were also caught with damning evidence. One, Gareth Burgess, had videos of himself walking through Blackpool carrying large sums of cash while rapping about his criminal exploits.
Despite his incarceration, Garnett maintained constant contact with his associates, instructing them to hide evidence and continue operations.
103 Years of Combined Jail Time
The case — part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s crackdown on serious organised crime — saw all 15 defendants plead guilty at Preston Crown Court to offences committed between February 2023 and July 2024. Together, they were sentenced to more than 103 years in prison.
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw praised the investigation, saying:
“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.”
