Brothers Busted in Huge Drug Ring After Secret Chats Cracked
Two brothers from Kent have been slung behind bars after their criminal gang was exposed thanks to the cracking of the encrypted messaging service, EncroChat.
Encrypted Messages Expose Massive Cocaine Dealings
Aaron and Gray Elcombe hid behind codenames like Tasteful Revolver, Urban Bonsai, and Striking Boat to trade at least 60 kilograms of Class A drugs. Their secret chats helped coordinate cash and drug exchanges across a sprawling network.
Back in spring 2020, police cracked the ultra-secure EncroChat system, handing over decrypted messages that blew the lid on the gang’s operations.
Long Jail Terms for Drug-Dealing Duo
- Gray Elcombe, 54, formerly of Tower View, Kings Hill, was handed 12 years and six months. He admitted supplying cocaine and possession of criminal property—£5,000 in seized cash.
- Aaron Elcombe, 46, from Penenden Heath, got 11 years and nine months. He pleaded guilty to cocaine supply. Additional charges for amphetamine and ketamine supply were left on file.
- Another associate, Glyn Taylor, 44, of Maidstone, was jailed for five years after pleading guilty to multiple drug supply offences.
Police Praise Breakthrough, Eye Proceeds of Crime
Detective Constable Simon Harrold said: “Gray and Aaron Elcombe were key players in a well-organised gang supplying drugs on a wholesale scale. Shocking to see them commit crimes while out on licence, thinking they were untouchable behind encrypted messages.”
“Their overconfidence gave us solid proof of a crime network operating across Kent throughout 2020. We’re now moving to seize any cash and assets gained through their filthy dealings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
The crackdown also saw three other offenders jailed between 2021 and 2022, totaling 22 years behind bars for those involved.
