Drug dealers jailed after officers seize more than 40 crack cocaine deals in Maidstone

Two men have received prison sentences following their arrest in possession of drugs by plain clothes officers in Maidstone. At around 1.10pm on Wednesday 13 June 2018, an officer spotted a car driven by Courtney Graham (right photograph) in Mote Road and suspected the occupants were involved in the supply of drugs. When the car stopped outside a shop, the officer was joined by colleagues and they approached the vehicle. Graham attempted to drive off but was obstructed by police vehicles at the front and rear of his vehicle. His passenger, Kenny Martin (left photograph), was seen to reach into the pocket of his hooded top and both men were removed from their vehicle and arrested in connection with the supply of drugs. The officers seized 41 wraps of crack cocaine from Martin’s pocket with an estimated street value of between £820 and £1,230. They also seized his mobile phone that was found to contain text messages relating to drug supply. Graham of Rocky Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham and Martin of no fixed address were later charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply. Graham was also charged with driving without a licence and driving without insurance. Both pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. At the same court on Friday 17 August, 19-year-old Graham was sentenced to two years and four months in a Young Offenders’ Institution and 31-year-old Martin was jailed for two years and eight months. District Commander, Chief Inspector Ray Quiller said: ‘This was an organised drug supply network bringing crack cocaine into Maidstone and causing misery to drug users, and in particular their families. ‘My message is simple. If you choose to supply drugs in Maidstone we will find out who you are and swiftly bring you to justice.’