A colorful parrot became an unexpected informant in a drug bust in Blackpool, England. The clever bird was caught on video squawking drug-dealing slang, which ultimately led to the dismantling of a drug ring involving 15 individuals. The footage captured the parrot repeating phrases like “two for 25,” which authorities identified as code for the price of illegal substances.
The investigation began when police seized cellphones belonging to the gang leader, Adam Garnett, who was already serving a 15-year prison sentence on unrelated charges. The phones contained incriminating videos filmed by Garnett’s girlfriend and second-in-command, Shannon Hilton. In these videos, the parrot was shown being trained to utter drug-related phrases in front of a child, as well as playing with money believed to be proceeds from their illegal activities.
Upon searching Hilton’s residence, law enforcement officers uncovered stacks of cash, heroin, crack cocaine, and ketamine. Additionally, Hilton’s phone contained recordings of conversations between her and Garnett, as well as footage of what appeared to be cocaine bricks accompanied by music with lyrics referencing the substance.
The investigation revealed that Garnett was orchestrating the drug ring from behind bars, using various communication channels to direct the criminal activities of the group. As a result, a total of 15 individuals, aged between 21 and 50, were arrested in connection to the operation that had been running between February 2023 and July 2024.
During the court proceedings, Garnett was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class-A drugs and was sentenced to an additional 19 1/2 years in prison to be served consecutively to his existing term. Hilton, on the other hand, faced charges of conspiracy to supply class-A drugs and possession with intent to supply class-B substances, receiving a 12-year sentence.
The fate of the parrot, whose name remains unknown, remains a mystery. Despite its unintentional involvement in the case, the bird played a crucial role in exposing the illegal activities of the drug ring and aiding law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
