A talking parrot named Mango played an unexpected role in dismantling a major UK drug gang after police discovered videos of the bird squawking drug-dealing slang. Among the evidence, officers found recordings of Mango repeating cocaine prices, which ultimately helped send gang members to prison for more than 103 years.
In a Facebook post, Lancashire Police shared the unusual story, joking, “What’s the most talented thing your pet can do? Sit? Give paw? How about speak?” The force detailed how Mango’s chatter became a key piece of evidence in the operation.
How the parrot helped the investigation
During a raid on the home of Mango’s owner, Shannon Hilton, police uncovered videos of the bird rapping “two for 25.” According to investigators, this phrase was part of the drug-related jargon used by the organized crime gang led by Hilton’s boyfriend, Adam Garnett.
One clip even showed Hilton teaching Mango the slang in front of a child. Police noted that this was “not a phrase you want your parrot squawking when the police come knocking.”
The investigation revealed that while Mango played with illegally obtained cash, gang members were seen boasting about their criminal exploits. Garnett, already serving a 15-year sentence, was found to have phones and Wi-Fi routers in his prison cell, enabling him to keep directing the gang’s activities. Further inquiries identified Hilton, Dalbir Sandhu, and Jason Gerrand as key associates.
Searches of their properties turned up cash, heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and mobile phones. Fourteen individuals were ultimately jailed for a combined sentence exceeding 103 years.
Social media reacts
The parrot’s unexpected involvement drew plenty of humor online. One commenter quipped, “How do we know the parrot wasn’t in charge? He’s clearly holding the money.” Another joked, “See, that’s what they want you to think—the parrot is in charge of the whole operation.”
Others wondered if Mango might need “witness protection,” while some pointed out that parrots—especially African greys—can live up to 100 years, making “a ten stretch nothing to them.”
Police statement
“These people ran a sophisticated operation to supply Class A drugs across Blackpool. Garnett continued to run his operation whilst in prison, communicating with his organized crime gang through illegal methods,” said DS Anthony Alves of the West Targeted Crime Team.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, added, “Successful outcomes like this demonstrate officers’ tireless work to protect the public. Lancashire is taking a relentless approach to tackling organized crime, dismantling gangs, and delivering justice.”
