A parrot taught to squawk street slang about crack cocaine prices has helped police dismantle a major drug gang in Blackpool, resulting in prison sentences totalling more than 103 years. The gang, led by Adam Garnett from behind bars, used smuggled phones and Wi-Fi routers to run a sophisticated operation trafficking Class A and B drugs including heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis, and ketamine between February 2023 and July 2024.
Incriminating footage found on the phone of Garnett's girlfriend, Shannon Hilton, showed her pet parrot, Mango, being taught to say 'two for 25' — a reference to a street deal price for crack cocaine. Another clip showed the parrot playing with cash believed to be from the gang's profits, all in front of a child. The videos also captured gang members rapping about drug money, stashes of heroin and ketamine, and large sums of cash being flaunted as trophies of their crimes.
Garnett, 35, was already serving a 15-year prison sentence when phones and Wi-Fi routers were found in his cell. He was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and sentenced to an additional 19 years and six months, to be served consecutively. Hilton was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. In total, 15 people pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court, with sentences ranging from suspended terms to lengthy prison sentences.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police's 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.' He praised the team's work and noted that enquiries are ongoing to locate two defendants who failed to appear in court.
Blackpool Police posted on Facebook: 'What’s the most talented thing your pet can do? Sit? Give paw? How about speak? 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!'
