Owner of Chanel the African Grey charged over £792k drugs haul
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The woman who gained viral fame for losing her African Grey parrot, named Chanel, has been charged over a £792,000 cannabis haul.
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Sandra Hannah, 43, from Cumberland Gate, Netherton, became a viral sensation in April 2020 after she filmed herself crying and desperately asking the internet for help after losing her beloved pet parrot, Chanel.
Thankfully, Hannah was able to be reunited with her parrot as the animal took to the skies after escaping through her the water bowl gate on her cage. But three years on from becoming internet famous, Hannah’s life has apparently taken quite a different turn.
On Friday (21 April), Merseyside Police have charged her and a 55-year-old man, named Ian Hannah, on suspicion of the importation of cannabis and possession of criminal property.
The charge comes after a joint operation between Merseyside police and the National Crime Agency. Officers found 237.6kg of cannabis resin imported from Spain after a two-day operation, Liverpool Echo reports.
Police have said this stash has been valued at around £792,000. Both parties have been remanded in custody and appeared at Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Photos shared by the police show ‘dozens of ‘Citronella’ tubs containing the cannabis resin.
A statement shared by Merseyside Police said: "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."
After sharing her heartfelt plea on social media, Chanel returned home safely after the cheeky bird knocked on the window of someone living two miles away.
But the mischievous bird made another bid for freedom in July 2021, prompting Hannah to once again take to social media for help amid her second wild parrot chase.
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She explained: "Hi guys, I'm so sorry I need your help again, it's not a joke.
"Chanel flew off again. Please I don't know what to do, but if anyone sees her you know what she's like.
"She just flew off. I'm so sorry, just please, if anyone sees her please contact me."
After Hannah was given drugs charges it is unclear who is taking care of Chanel.
