A talking parrot has helped bring down a major drug gang after it was caught saying ‘two for 25’ on camera.
Mango the parrot was found when officers raided homes in Blackpool belonging to members of an organised crime gang, where they seized large amounts of cocaine and heroin.
Drug kingpin Adam Garnett and the 14 people who worked for him have today been jailed for a combined total of more than 103 years.
Their illegal activities were first uncovered when Adam Garnett, who was already a serving prisoner, had a number of mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers discovered in a cell search.
Police then connected Garnett to his second-in-command associates Dalbir Sandhu and Jason Gerrand as well as his girlfriend Shannon Hilton
Their houses were searched and police found large quantities of drugs, cash, and phones all linking the gang to one another.
Officers seized cash, heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, as well as mobile phones. They were forensically matched to the defendants.
As part of the searches of the phone belonging to Shannon Hilton, Garnett’s girlfriend, a number of videos were found.
Footage showed Hilton teaching her pet parrot to say ‘two for 25’ in front of a child, and of the parrot playing with money which was gained through their illegal activities.
More videos included evidence of video calls between Hilton and Garnett, videos of what appear to be kilo blocks of cocaine, with music including the lyric ‘cocaine’ over the top.
The gang operated between February 2023 and July 2024 in the Blackpool area.
Upon searching Sandhu’s phone, it was found that Garnett often directed people to the trusted key member of the gang.
He was found to have researched and sent links to stories discussing county lines to his contacts and kept a record in the notes of his phone of his dealings, including price lists and records of transactions.
Despite being in prison, ringleader Garnett was involved in moving evidence so that police could not find it.
It was also discovered that he had methods to communicate with nearly every member of the organised crime group he controlled.
A number of videos were also found on Gareth Burgess’ phone, including one which showed him walking through Blackpool, carrying a significant amount of cash, and rapping about his criminality.
In total, 15 people were arrested, and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, charged with offences. They all pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court.
Adam Garnett, 35, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 19 years and six months, which he will have to serve consecutive to his existing 15 year prison term.
Shannon Hilton, 29, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. She was sentenced to 12 years.
Dalbir Sandhu, 41, of Chesterfield Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 10 years .
Jason Gerrand, 50, of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs . He was sentenced to eight years and three months.
DS Anthony Alves of the Lancashire Police 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.
‘I welcome the sentences handed down today following the lengthy and complex investigation. I want to thank my team, the Crown Prosecution Service and our prosecution barristers Sarah Magill and Holly Nelson for their work in bringing these people to justice.
‘Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court today. If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know.
‘We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise.’
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner said: ‘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.
‘I remain fully committed to supporting the Chief Constable, ensuring our officers and staff have the resources they need to dismantle criminal gangs, drive offenders out of our communities, and deliver justice.’
