Convicted Drug Trafficker Paid Private School Fees in Cash

A major drug trafficker who paid his daughter's private school fees with envelopes of cash left at reception has been jailed for nearly 19 years.

Gregory Bell, 43, made millions as a leading supplier of Class A drugs. Police discovered he owned 34 properties—mostly in east Manchester—along with two villas in Spain, while living in a £2,200-a-month rented apartment in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Manchester Crown Court heard that Bell paid his daughter's private school fees in cash, leaving envelopes with the school receptionist. When officers raided his home, they also found designer clothes worth over £70,000.

Bell, of Scottmount, Prestbury, admitted money laundering and conspiracy to supply cocaine, diamorphine, ecstasy, ketamine, amphetamine, and cannabis. He was sentenced to 18 years and nine months in prison.

Prosecutor David Temkin KC said Bell had a long-standing gambling addiction, spending vast sums in casinos. Investigations showed he staked about £1.5 million at Ladbrokes and £696,000 at Betfred, though his returns were lower in both cases.

Temkin described Bell as the head of a "highly sophisticated" criminal network that supplied drugs to major dealers and gangs across the UK. The court heard that "safe houses" in Alderley Edge and Bury were used to store drugs, which couriers then distributed using vehicles with hidden compartments.

Police were able to expose the operation after accessing encrypted messages on Bell's Encrochat device—once thought to be secure—using information shared by French and Dutch authorities.

Bell used handles such as Castlesnail, Radiorhino, and Wonkyfrog, and was often referred to as "boss" or "gaffer." His phone contacts included more than 70 drug suppliers and customers nationwide.

Defence barrister Colin Aylott KC said Bell, who had no prior convictions, had been on remand for over five years and struggled with health issues. While in custody, he had volunteered with The Samaritans, supporting other inmates through emotional distress.

After sentencing, Detective Inspector Richard Castley of Greater Manchester Police said:

"Gregory Bell was not just a drug dealer—he was the head of a criminal enterprise that reached into every corner of the UK."

E&K Solicitors