By Elizabeth Byrne
The case came to light when Campbell, along with two other men, was arrested in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2018 as part of an undercover sting operation. The operation was the result of coordinated efforts between Australian and international law enforcement agencies, targeting a criminal syndicate with global connections.
Campbell’s involvement stemmed from a longstanding business relationship with co-conspirator Rohan Arnold, a steel importer and stockyard director, who was also deeply entrenched in the drug syndicate. Arnold, the first to be convicted, was sentenced to 27 years in 2020 for his role in the plot. Campbell, described by his defense as a low-status, “cannon fodder” figure in the group, was allegedly manipulated into participating through threats and coercion. His sentencing brings the final chapter to a six-year legal saga, following earlier convictions of other members, including Tristan Waters, who was sentenced to 20 years.
The syndicate’s operation included an intricate scheme to retrieve the missing container of drugs. This involved an undercover officer pretending to have found the container in New Zealand and requesting a $3 million finder’s fee, leading to the dramatic arrests in Belgrade.
Judge Phillip Mahony acknowledged that Campbell had acted under duress but also emphasized that his voluntary involvement in the operation could not be ignored. Despite his claims of being manipulated and coerced, Campbell was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 10.5 years, meaning he will be eligible for parole in 2028.
This case highlights the continuing global nature of drug trafficking syndicates and the complex, multi-jurisdictional efforts needed to combat them. The authorities’ success in dismantling this network is a significant victory in the fight against organized crime.