Man's nitrous oxide use in Maidstone leads police to uncover ecstasy operation
Brothers jailed for large-scale drug production and supply
A man inhaling nitrous oxide in Maidstone town centre has led police to dismantle a significant ecstasy production line on the Isle of Sheppey.
The man’s behaviour caught the attention of Kent Police officers, ultimately resulting in the arrest and sentencing of Bryn Graham and his brother Connor Graham for over 16 years combined.
On the evening of 4th October 2024, CCTV operators notified police of a man walking on Week Street with gas-filled balloons.
Officers detained and searched 23-year-old Bryn Graham, discovering a large sum of cash and bags containing yellow tablets and white powder in his bumbag.
A subsequent search of his Eastchurch home uncovered large quantities of ketamine, MDMA, amphetamine, and machinery for pill production.
The investigation revealed Bryn and Connor Graham were involved in large-scale drug production and supply when detectives examined messages on Bryn's phone.
Connor, 27, was already imprisoned for similar offences at the time.
On 14th December 2025, both brothers were arrested, and another search of their residence found more drug-making equipment and a substantial amount of drugs ready for sale.
Kent Police seized two kilos of MDMA, approximately 5,000 ecstasy pills, cocaine, and £1,800 cash.
The brothers faced charges of producing MDMA, supplying ketamine and amphetamine, and possessing criminal property.
Bryn also faced a cocaine possession charge.
At Maidstone Crown Court, the Graham brothers admitted the charges.
On 26th February 2026, Bryn received a seven-year sentence, while Connor was sentenced to nine years and three months.
Detective Constable Steve Brown described the operation as an industrial-sized pill production enterprise with potential widespread impact.
Their illicit earnings will be targeted in a future hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act.