PREVIEW

A drugs gang operating in Blackpool were caught after one of their members’ pet parrot was filmed discussing drug deals.

Adam Garnett, 35, was already serving a prison sentence when officers discovered multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers during a cell search. This triggered a complex investigation that uncovered a sophisticated county lines network operating between February 2023 and July 2024.

Footage recovered from Garnett’s partner Shannon Hilton’s phone included video calls with Garnett, images of suspected kilogram blocks of cocaine, and a video of her teaching her pet parrot to say "two for 25" - a drugs price - while in the presence of a child. The parrot was also seen playing with what was believed to be cash from their illegal enterprise.

In total, 15 members of the gang have been jailed for more than 103 years.

Following the discovery in Garnett’s cell, police identified his key lieutenants as Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton and Jason Gerrand. Raids on their homes led to the recovery of large quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, mobile phones, and cash, all linking the group together.

Forensic evidence from the phones directly tied the defendants to the conspiracy.

Messages and records found on Sandhu’s phone revealed that Garnett had been directing operations from prison, including instructing others to move evidence to avoid detection. Sandhu had also kept detailed notes on deals, price lists and links to media articles on county lines trafficking.

All 15 individuals were arrested and charged following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. Each pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court on Monday 4 August 2025.