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.
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