LONDON– In a remarkable turn of events, British police have credited a pet parrot with helping to bring down a prison-based drug trafficking operation. The case, which involved a year-long investigation, saw detectives use modern technology and traditional police work, but it was a crucial piece of evidence from an unlikely source a chattering bird that helped them connect the dots and secure convictions. The animal’s testimony, unknowingly provided, became a key factor in proving the network’s illicit activities.
The Discovery of a Coded Phrase
The drug ring, which operated across Blackpool, England, from February 2023 to July 2024, was masterminded by Adam Garnett, a 35-year-old who was already serving a prison sentence. The operation began to unravel when prison staff found multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers in Garnett’s cell. This discovery led investigators to his associates, including Shannon Hilton. During a search of Hilton’s home, police found a mobile phone that contained a recording of her pet parrot, Mango. On the recording, Mango could be heard repeatedly squawking the phrase, “two for 25”—a term police later confirmed was a slang reference for drug transactions. This audio provided direct insight into the criminal enterprise.
Uncovering a Complex Web
The investigation, part of the wider police initiative Operation Warrior, revealed that Garnett maintained central control of the operation from prison, using illegal devices to communicate with his network. In video communications uncovered by police, Hilton and Garnett could be seen discussing their illicit business. The footage even showed kilogram-sized packages of cocaine and featured drug-related song lyrics, further solidifying the evidence against them. This network was responsible for distributing significant quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis across the region.
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Sentences Handed Down
The culmination of the investigation resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals. Garnett received an additional 19 years and six months of prison time, to be served consecutively with his existing sentence. His associates, including Hilton and Dalbir Sandhu, also received lengthy sentences of 12 years and 10 years, respectively. The police have issued warrants for two other individuals, Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who remain at large.
A New Kind of Witness
While the police team diligently gathered evidence, it was the voice of a pet parrot that ultimately provided the smoking gun. The story of Mango the parrot will likely be remembered as one of the most unusual pieces of testimony ever presented in a British courtroom, highlighting that even in the most serious of criminal cases, the truth can sometimes be found in the most surprising of places.