Star of viral Chanel the African Grey parrot video charged over £792k drug haul

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A woman who went viral over her search for her missing African Grey parrot Chanel has been charged with drug offences. Sandra Hannah, 43, became a social media hit in 2020 after she recorded herself crying and repeatedly calling her parrot’s name in a bid to find the beloved pet.

Merseyside Police has today revealed that Hannah, of Cumberland Gate in Netherton, and a 55-year-old man named Ian Hannah, have both been charged on suspicion of the importation of cannabis and possession of criminal property. It comes after a joint operation between Merseyside Police and the National Crime Agency, the Liverpool Echo reports.

During the two-day operation, officers found 237.6kg of cannabis resin imported from Spain, valued at approximately £792,000, the force said. Pictures shared by police show dozens of “Citronella” tubs containing the substances.

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Both Sandra and Ian Hannah have been remanded in custody and appeared at Magistrates’ Court today.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said on Friday: “Over the past two days there has been a joint operation between Operation Pelican, Sefton investigations team and the National Crime Agency which has resulted in two adults being charged with the importation of 237.6kg of Cannabis Resin from Spain. This has been valued at approximately £792,000.

“Ian Hannah, 55, and Sandra Hannah, 43, of Cumberland Gate, Netherton have both been charged with importation of cannabis and possession of criminal property. Hannah and Hannah have been remanded and will appear before Magistrates’ Court this morning.”

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