Seven individuals linked to a drug syndicate formerly led by Thomas Campbell, who was murdered in 2022, have received sentences for their involvement in a scheme worth £1.6 million to distribute class A narcotics in the northern areas of Manchester and Tameside.
After the demise of Thomas Campbell at his residence in Mossley, Tameside, in 2022, his brother Lee Campbell assumed control over the criminal organization’s activities, as disclosed by prosecutor Emma Swindel at Manchester Crown Court.
Law enforcement authorities uncovered a “graft line,” a mobile contact used for drug transactions, which enabled the identification of other members of the syndicate. Over the period from March 14, 2024, to January 30, 2025, the group managed to move 16.5 kilograms of class A drugs, as detailed by Manchester Evening News.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Lee Campbell had a criminal history with 11 prior convictions for 18 offenses. He had served a previous sentence of three years and nine months for robbery and had been imprisoned for four years in 2015 for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
The judge emphasized Lee Campbell’s significant role in the operation, stating, “You clearly held a prominent position. This operation was primarily driven by your actions for monetary gain, involving a substantial number of individuals and a significant volume of drugs.”
All seven defendants admitted to participating in the conspiracy to distribute class A drugs. Lee Campbell, aged 43 and residing in Lightfoot Walk, Beswick, eastern Manchester, received a sentence of nine years and four months.
Kelly Bundell, 37, from North Road in Clayton, eastern Manchester, was sentenced to two years and eight months. Mark McGrath, 41, of Heather Street in Clayton, also received a sentence of two years and eight months.
Stephen Quinn, 57, residing in Edge Lane, Droylsden, was handed a three-year and four-month sentence. Mark Salinger, 23, from Ladylands Avenue in Clayton, was given a two-year jail term, suspended for two years.
Paul Taylor, 42, living on Gleneagles Avenue in Clayton, was sentenced to two years and eight months. Carlo Tommasello, 38, from Droylsden Wharf Road, Droylsden, received a four-year and four-month prison term.
