The world of crime is often marked by cunning strategies, secret communications, and sometimes, unexpected informants. In an extraordinary turn of events, a talking parrot named Mango played a surprising role in exposing and dismantling a major drug operation in Blackpool, England.
In the midst of the high-stakes crackdown on drug trafficking, the police found themselves intrigued by an unusual clue: a talking parrot. Mango, the pet of Shannon Hilton—girlfriend of gang leader Adam Garnett—had been taught to say phrases commonly used by drug dealers, such as “two for 25.”
The Unusual Informant: Mango the Talking Parrot
The bird’s vocabulary was not just a quirky trick; it turned out to be a significant lead for law enforcement. During raids on several homes in Blackpool, authorities uncovered large quantities of heroin and cocaine. But alongside the drugs, phones and videos found in Garnett’s prison cell revealed Mango mimicking drug-related phrases and even playing with bundles of cash earned through the gang’s illicit trade.
A video from Shannon Hilton’s phone showed her laughing as she taught Mango to repeat the phrase in front of a child, underscoring how deeply embedded the drug culture was in their daily life—even involving their pet. The parrot’s repeated phrases provided a unique, tangible link to the gang’s operations, offering police a glimpse into the coded language used by dealers to communicate transactions.
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— orange 🍊 (@orange4u28) August 8, 2025
In Blackpool, England, a parrot named Mango helped bust a drug gang by repeating drug-dealing phrases like "two for 25" in videos found on a gang member's phone. The evidence aided Lancashire Police in convicting 15 members, sentenced to over 103 years. pic.twitter.com/dmK59NYquJ
This unusual case highlights how sometimes even the most unexpected sources, like a pet parrot, can play a role in uncovering criminal activity. Mango became an unwitting accomplice who helped shed light on the inner workings of a dangerous drug ring.
Adam Garnett’s Network and Operation
Adam Garnett, 35, was the ringleader behind the Blackpool drug gang. Even while incarcerated between 2023 and 2024, Garnett maintained control over the gang’s operations through a complex web of communication channels. The police investigation revealed that he orchestrated deals, managed contacts, and kept the enterprise running from behind bars.
During a prison cell search, officers seized multiple mobile phones, which contained videos showing kilos of drugs, stacks of cash, and crucially, evidence linking the gang’s activities with Mango the parrot. Garnett’s girlfriend, Shannon Hilton, alongside other key members Dalbir Sandhu and Jason Gerrand, acted as his trusted lieutenants and operational managers outside prison.
Dalbir Sandhu’s phone notes were particularly revealing—he kept detailed records of transactions, pricing, and even researched news articles about “county lines” drug trafficking, sharing these with contacts. “County lines” refers to the criminal practice of moving drugs from urban centers to smaller towns and rural areas, often involving exploitation and violence.
The gang’s reach extended beyond Blackpool, with members like Gareth Burgess, originally from Blackpool but later residing in Bedfordshire, actively flaunting their ill-gotten wealth on social media. Burgess was filmed rapping about his criminal exploits while carrying large sums of cash, showcasing the dangerous bravado typical of such gangs.
Despite law enforcement efforts, the gang operated with a sense of confidence and impunity—partly because their leader was imprisoned but still in command. This dynamic complicated the police operation, but the evidence gathered from phones, videos, and ultimately Mango’s parrot helped unravel the syndicate’s activities.
Sentences and the Fight Against County Lines
Following the extensive investigation, 15 members of the gang pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to various drug offenses committed between February 2023 and July 2024. The sentencing reflected the severity of their crimes and the broad scope of the criminal network.
Adam Garnett received a lengthy sentence of 19 years and six months, underscoring his central role as the gang leader. Shannon Hilton was handed 12 years, Dalbir Sandhu 10 years, Jason Gerrand eight years and three months, and Gareth Burgess seven years and four months.
However, the crackdown was not yet complete. Two gang members, Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, failed to appear for sentencing and remain fugitives. Warrants have been issued for their arrests, and police continue to urge the public to report any information on their whereabouts.
Det Sgt Anthony Alves, leading the investigation, emphasized that dismantling drug gangs is an ongoing battle. “We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise,” he said. The involvement of incarcerated leaders like Garnett highlights the evolving challenges law enforcement faces with county lines drug trafficking.
This case also serves as a stark reminder of how organized crime can infiltrate communities and affect innocent lives—including children who witnessed the parrot’s drug phrases being taught in their presence. The use of everyday objects and pets as communication tools within criminal enterprises reflects the adaptive and secretive nature of modern gangs.
The story of Mango the parrot helping to expose a sophisticated drug gang is one of the more unusual but striking examples of how law enforcement breaks down criminal networks. From prison cell phone videos to the mimicry of a colorful bird, the investigation into Adam Garnett’s Blackpool drug operation uncovered the gang’s strategies, connections, and vulnerabilities.
This case highlights the multifaceted nature of county lines drug trafficking and the importance of persistent police work. It also serves as a cautionary tale about how crime can permeate every level of a community—even extending to the family pet.
The significant jail sentences handed down serve as a strong message to other gangs operating in the UK, reinforcing that no one is above the law, whether inside prison walls or out on the streets. Mango’s unexpected role in this saga reminds us that sometimes, the smallest clues can help bring down even the most entrenched criminal operations.