A talking British parrot helped police officers bust a major drug-dealing gang after investigators found videos of the bird repeatedly saying typical dealer phrases, leading the police to shut down a criminal enterprise led by Adam Garnett, a 35-year-old incarcerated man who managed the operation from his cell.
For background, on August 4, 2025, the Lancashire, England, Police Department posted a video showing how a drug dealer’s parrot, Mango, had learned to speak, saying phrases like “two for 25,” that are commonly used in drug deals. The Lancashire Police explained that when videos of the parrot showed up online, they were able to shut down a huge drug-dealing network.
According to the Lancashire Police Department, the investigation into the drug network started when ringleader Adam Garnett had his cell searched, leading to the discovery of multiple cell phones and wi-fi routers, which the police used to link Garnett to several associates, including Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton, and Jason Gerrand.
Moreover, Lancashire Police explained that they discovered footage of Mango the parrot using drug slang while carrying banknotes in its mouth. Sharing the video on Facebook, Lancashire Police wrote, “One drug dealer’s parrot learned to say ‘two for 25’ – a phrase picked up as part of common language used by the organised crime gang run by her boyfriend.”
In addition, the Lancashire Police Facebook page quipped that “Two for 25” was “not a phrase you want your parrot squawking when the police come knocking!” Furthermore, the police confirmed that Hilton, Gerrand, Sandhu, and thirteen others “were jailed for more than 103 years.”
Continuing, the police explained, “As Mango the parrot played with illegally gained money, the gang members rapped about their drug dealing, boasting of their criminal exploits.” They went on to add that videos of the parrot led to the discovery of “large quantities of drugs, cash, and phones, all linking the gang to one another.”
Following the arrests, Det. Sgt. Anthony Alves said that the drug bust was a “coordinated and complex drug operation that extended far beyond prison walls,” adding, “Garnett continued to run his enterprise while incarcerated, using illegal devices to maintain control.” He continued, “I want to thank my team, our partners at the Crown Prosecution Service, and our prosecution team for their dedication to bringing these criminals to justice.”
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Likewise, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw praised his team for the arrests and said, “This sends a clear message: we will not tolerate organized crime in our communities. I remain committed to giving law enforcement the resources they need to take down these gangs and protect the public.”
Watch the incriminating clip of the parrot:
Featured image credit: video screengrab