Police operation that dismantled Tameside drugs gang wins top GMP award

A major police investigation that successfully dismantled a sophisticated organised crime group operating across north Manchester and Tameside has been recognised for its outstanding work.

Operation Kilowatt, led by Greater Manchester Police’s City of Manchester North Challenger team, has won Proactive Investigation of the Year at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards ceremony. The awards celebrate the achievements of staff and volunteers from across GMP over the past 12 months, with more than 200 nominations received across 13 categories.

The investigation began in May 2024 after several intelligence leads suggested a family-run organised crime group (OCG) was continuing large-scale drug dealing in the north Manchester and Tameside areas. The group was believed to have been inherited by the brother of Thomas Campbell, who was murdered in 2022.

Detectives launched a covert operation, supported by surveillance teams and advanced phone analysis; to identify those involved and gather enough evidence to dismantle the long-standing criminal network. Early enquiries identified a mobile phone number believed to be the drugs line used by the Campbell family OCG.

As Operation Kilowatt progressed, officers uncovered how the group was operating by burying large quantities of cocaine in “hides”, concealed underground locations, across Clayton Vale and Phillips Park. The drugs were stored in sealed, smell-proof containers to avoid detection.

Investigative focus soon turned to principal OCG member Lee Campbell. Officers observed him passing packages to fellow gang member Steven Quinn and entering Clayton Vale on multiple occasions. However, the hidden nature of the area limited conventional policing tactics.

In response, the Challenger team worked closely with the Technical Surveillance Unit (TSU) to develop innovative and unconventional methods to stay one step ahead of the group. This collaboration proved crucial.

On 12 December 2024, Campbell was observed burying 2.5kg of cocaine in one of the Clayton Vale hides. He was later arrested at his home moments after sitting down at his dining table to enjoy a mince pie and a brew. Campbell was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and remanded in custody.

Following his arrest, the investigation continued. A coordinated day of action saw a number of warrants executed, resulting in six further members of the OCG being arrested, charged and remanded in custody for a range of serious drugs offences.

On Friday 7 November 2025, at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, Campbell and the six other gang members were sentenced for the supply and distribution of Class A drugs.

The investigation has been praised for preventing a significant amount of drugs from reaching the streets and for protecting local communities from the wider harms linked to organised crime.

Detective Inspector Claire Moss, senior investigating officer for Operation Kilowatt, said: “The team worked tirelessly on this investigation, and despite the head of this OCG being arrested, they continued with their enquiries until the entire group had been dismantled and appropriately dealt with for their part in this offending.

"The successful outcome of this investigation has been the result of the dedication and tenacity of the team, along with some great work in collaboration with our technical support team and surveillance units."