A pet parrot that was taught to squawk drug prices has helped bring down a sophisticated organised crime gang in Blackpool, leading to 15 criminals being jailed for a combined total of more than 103 years at Preston Crown Court this week.
Mango the parrot became an unlikely crime-fighting hero when video evidence discovered on a mobile phone showed the bird repeatedly saying “two for 25”, street terminology for crack cocaine pricing. The footage, which also showed the parrot playing with bundles of cash gained through illegal activities, provided crucial evidence against Shannon Hilton, 29, girlfriend of drug kingpin Adam Garnett, who masterminded the entire operation from his prison cell.
The sophisticated county lines operation, which ran between February 2023 and July 2024, saw Garnett, 35, continue to control his criminal empire despite already serving a 15-year prison sentence. Using contraband mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers smuggled into his cell, he directed a network of dealers flooding Blackpool’s streets with heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police’s West Targeted Crime Team said the gang ran “a sophisticated operation to supply class A drugs across Blackpool”, adding that Garnett “continued to run his operation whilst in prison, communicating with the members of his organised crime gang through illegal methods.
Prison Mastermind Controlled Network Through Smuggled Technology
The criminal enterprise began to unravel when prison officers discovered multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers during a routine cell search. This discovery led investigators to identify Garnett’s key lieutenants on the outside: Dalbir Sandhu, 41, Jason Gerrand, 50, and his girlfriend Shannon Hilton, who acted as crucial links in the drug distribution network.
Subsequent raids on properties linked to the gang uncovered substantial quantities of drugs, large amounts of cash, and mobile phones that forensically connected all members of the organised crime group. Officers seized blocks of high-purity cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine and cannabis during the operation.
The investigation revealed that despite his incarceration, Garnett maintained methods to communicate with nearly every member of his criminal organisation. He regularly directed customers to trusted gang members, particularly Sandhu, who kept detailed records of transactions and price lists on his mobile phone.
“These people ran a sophisticated operation to supply class A drugs across Blackpool,” DS Alves confirmed. He praised his team, the Crown Prosecution Service and prosecution barristers Sarah Magill and Holly Nelson “for their work in bringing these people to justice”.
Damning Video Evidence Seals Gang’s Fate
Perhaps the most striking evidence came from videos discovered on Shannon Hilton’s phone. Footage showed her teaching Mango to repeat the phrase “two for 25” in front of a child, a chilling demonstration of how normalised drug dealing had become within the gang’s operations. Additional videos captured Hilton on video calls with Garnett whilst kilo blocks of cocaine were visible in the background, with music containing cocaine-related lyrics playing.
The investigation also uncovered disturbing footage from gang member Gareth Burgess’s phone, showing him walking through Blackpool carrying significant amounts of cash while rapping about his criminal activities. This brazen display of criminality ultimately contributed to his seven years and seven months sentence.
Sandhu’s phone revealed he had researched and shared articles about county lines operations with contacts, demonstrating the gang’s awareness of law enforcement tactics. Despite this knowledge, they continued their illegal activities, with Garnett even attempting to move evidence to prevent police discovery.
All 15 defendants pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court. Adam Garnett received 19 years and six months for two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, to be served consecutively to his existing 15-year term. Shannon Hilton was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class B drugs.
Extensive Sentences Reflect Severity of Operation
Dalbir Sandhu received 10 years for conspiring to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply. Jason Gerrand was jailed for eight years and three months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Other significant sentences included Gareth Burgess (seven years seven months), Dean Baker (seven years four months), and Thomas Bird (nine years three months).
Two gang members failed to appear for sentencing. Chloe Stott, 24, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, was sentenced to seven years and seven months in her absence, whilst Ryan Black, 27, of Jameson Street, Blackpool, received five years. Warrants have been issued for both fugitives’ arrests.
“Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court today,” DS Alves stated. “If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know”.
Several lower-level members received suspended sentences, including Rachel Johnson, 34, who was given 15 months suspended for 12 months after pleading guilty to assisting an organised crime group. Jamie Robinson, 22, received two years suspended after admitting being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
Part of Wider Crackdown on Organised Crime
The successful prosecution forms part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime across the county. This initiative specifically targets county lines operations, where criminal gangs export illegal drugs from urban areas into smaller towns and coastal resorts, often exploiting vulnerable adults and children as drug runners.
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw welcomed the sentences, stating: “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.
He added: “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”.
County lines operations have become an increasing concern across the UK, with gangs using dedicated mobile phone lines to coordinate drug supply networks. These operations often involve violence, exploitation and intimidation, causing significant harm to communities and particularly affecting young and vulnerable individuals.
DS Alves emphasised the force’s commitment to tackling such operations: “We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise”. His message to other criminals was clear: Lancashire is not a safe haven for organised crime.
The case highlights how modern policing must adapt to combat criminals who continue operations from prison using smuggled technology. It also demonstrates the importance of thorough digital forensics in building cases against organised crime groups.
Anyone with information about drug dealing or organised crime is urged to contact Lancashire Police on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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