Seven members of a notorious drugs gang, initially led by Thomas Campbell before his brutal murder, have been sentenced for their involvement in a significant £1.6 million cocaine supply operation. Thomas Campbell was killed in his Mossley, Tameside home in 2022, following a plot orchestrated by his ex-wife with a group of robbers. After his death, his brother, Lee Campbell, assumed control as the head of the Campbell organised crime group, as revealed by prosecutor Emma Swindel at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard that Lee Campbell, 43, and six other gang members faced sentencing for their roles in the extensive plot to distribute Class A drugs across north Manchester and Tameside. Greater Manchester Police initiated 'Operation Kilowatt' to dismantle the Campbell family's organised crime group, which had Thomas Campbell as its principal member until his murder. Upon Thomas’s death, Lee Campbell effectively 'took control' of the illicit enterprise.

Investigators successfully identified a 'graft line' – a dedicated mobile phone number used for drug supply. This crucial piece of evidence enabled police to uncover other gang members responsible for distributing a staggering 16.5 kilograms of Class A drugs between March 14, 2024, and January 30, 2025. A meticulous surveillance operation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) captured gang member Carlo Tommasello entering woodlands at Philips Park in Clayton, east Manchester, on six separate occasions. Lee Campbell was also observed in the same woods, where he was seen burying a substantial quantity of cocaine. Subsequent police investigations led to the recovery of a package containing zip-sealed plastic bags of drugs, estimated to be worth £6,200.

GMP confirmed that Steven Quinn played a central role as a drug runner, heavily involved in the day-to-day dealing. Carlo Tommasello and Kelly Blundell were described as working closely with Lee Campbell in the management of the operation. The court learned that Lee Campbell had an extensive criminal record, with 11 previous convictions for 18 offences, including a three-year nine-month sentence for robbery and a four-year jail term in 2015 for possession with intent to supply cocaine. His barrister, Ian McMeekin, stated that Campbell was receiving therapy for his brother's death and had 'inherited' the business, operating as a 'customer of those higher up in the distribution of cocaine'. While on remand, prison authorities noted his 'positive work ethic', suggesting he was 'on the road to rehabilitation'. The Recorder of Manchester, Nicholas Dean KC, likened Campbell's role to running 'a small supermarket' for the family business, acknowledging that while his brother's death was impactful, it offered little mitigation for his 'leading' role driven by profit.

Other members of the gang also faced sentencing with various mitigating factors. Steven Quinn, 57, who the prosecution described as a street dealer operating 'on a significant scale', had 13 previous convictions, including one for crack cocaine possession. His barrister, Amy Weir, noted he had 'little influence on others' and had 'shown insight' into his crimes.

Kelly Blundell, 37, a foster carer, was responsible for answering the drugs line and coordinating cocaine supply. Her barrister, Joshua Bowker, argued her actions were 'out of character' and committed 'under direction'. Blundell had struggled to come to terms with Thomas Campbell's murder and became involved due to an addiction to online gambling, on which she squandered her benefits.

Mark McGrath, 41, a former spray painter, became involved due to debts from his cannabis addiction. His barrister, Jane Greenhalgh, stated his actions were 'very much out of character'. Mark Salinger, 23, the youngest member at the time of the conspiracy, was paid £80 a day as a drug runner and was considered 'at the bottom of the chain'. His barrister, Stephen Spence, explained he acted 'out of familial loyalty naively'. Paul Taylor, 42, a father of two and former delivery driver who served in the armed forces, operated as a 'street dealer', struggling financially due to cocaine addiction and involvement for a 'modest wage'. He had 18 previous convictions, including for possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Carlo Tommasello, 38, identified as Lee Campbell's gym buddy, operated the 'graft phone' for up to £150 a day. His barrister, Jonathan Duffy, noted there was 'no evidence' he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.

Detective Inspector Claire Moss of GMP’s City of Manchester North Challenger Team, commented on the sentences, stating that they serve as a reminder that justice will be served against organised crime groups (OCGs). She emphasized GMP's relentless pursuit and disruption of OCGs, highlighting the significant profits made at the expense of vulnerable drug users. DI Moss encouraged public cooperation, stating that every piece of information helps build a clearer picture of criminal activity.

All seven defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. The sentences handed down were:

• Lee Campbell, 43, of Lightfoot Walk in Beswick, east Manchester: nine years and four months.
• Kelly Blundell, 37, of North Road in Clayton, east Manchester: two years and eight months.
• Mark McGrath, 41, of Heather Street in Clayton: two years and eight months.
• Steven Quinn, 57, of Edge Lane in Droylsden: three years and four months.
• Mark Salinger, 23, of Ladylands Avenue in Clayton: two-year jail sentence, suspended for two years.
• Paul Taylor, 42, of Gleneagles Avenue in Clayton: two years and eight months.
• Carlo Tommasello, 38, of Droylsden Wharf Road in Droylsden: four years and four months.