A GMP operation which targeted a sophisticated organised crime group (OCG) operating in the north Manchester and Tameside areas, which was inherited by the brother of Thomas Campbell who was murdered in 2022 had been recognised for its work
The City of Manchester North Challenger team, behind the operation, were recognised for their good work at the recent Chief Constable’s Annual Awards ceremony, where staff and volunteers from across the force gathered to celebrate the incredible achievements of those representing Greater Manchester Police (GMP) from the last 12 months.
In total, there were over 200 nominations for 13 separate winning categories, highlighting the wealth of talent across the force. Of those categories was Proactive Investigation of the Year, which Operation Kilowatt won.
Detectives in the Challenger team at the City of Manchester North district launched a covert investigation, with support from surveillance and phone work technology, to identify the offenders and gather enough evidence to finally take down the longstanding OCG.
Initially, the investigation identified a mobile number as being the drugs line for the Campbell family OCG.
As it unravelled, the investigation revealed that the group were continuing large-scale drug operations by making numerous ‘hides’ to bury large amounts of cocaine sealed in smell-proof containers in Clayton Vale and Phillip’s Park.
As a result of the evidence gathered, with significant support from the dedicated surveillance unit (DSU), investigative focus shifted to principal OCG member, Lee Campbell, who had already been observed giving packages to OCG member, Steven Quinn, and entering Clayton Vale.
However, concealed areas of Clayton Vale resulted in limited opportunities for conventional tactics and the team knew they needed to find a way to be a step ahead of this sophisticated group.
Detailed discussions and innovative thinking between the Challenger team and the Technical Surveillance Unit (TSU) led to them finding new and unconventional methods to progress the investigation.
Following this, an unsuspecting Campbell was observed burying 2.5kg of cocaine in one of the ‘hides’ in Clayton Vale on 12 December 2024. He was later arrested at his home just as he had sat down to enjoy and mince pie and a brew at his dining table.
Campbell was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply class A and remanded in custody.
Following Campbell’s arrest and remand in custody, the investigation continued and a day of action, where numerous warrants were executed, resulted in a further six of the OCG members being arrested, charged and remanded to custody for several drugs offences.
On Friday 7 November 2025 at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, Campbell and the six other OCG members were sentenced for the supply and distribution of class A drugs.
The entire investigative team behind Operation Kilowatt, together with support from surveillance and phone analysis, successfully dismantled a long-standing, sophisticated family-run OCG, preventing a substantial amount of class A drugs from entering the streets and protecting the community of all the harms associated with drugs and organised criminality.
