Three men jailed for using teenagers to deal drugs in Derby

They were sentenced after an investigation into a drug line known as “The American D” which was found to be operating in the Stockbrook and Normanton areas between December 2022 and July 2023.

The line, controlled by Nickai Pearman, Kani Dilworth-Stovall, and Kwame Wolffe, was found to be exploiting two children, aged 15 and 16 at the time, as street dealers.

They enlisted the teenagers to supply Heroin and Crack Cocaine, arranging taxis for their travel across the city and directing their activities.

The investigation was sparked by a warrant in Normanton in March 2023, where 45 wraps of crack cocaine and 38 wraps of heroin were discovered. Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and were later found to have been dealing for “The American D”.

A series of warrants and searches took place as part of the investigation in December 2022, March 2023, and July 2023, resulting in arrests and the seizure of large quantities of Class A drugs, weapons, and cash.

In July 2023 one of the youngsters had been reported missing. On their return, officers carrying out enquiries into their whereabouts discovered a phone which linked them to the “American D Line”.

Messages between one of the youngsters and the gang showed the extent of their control, and how he was being exploited by the group.

Later that same month, on Thursday 20 July, targeted warrants took place on Warner Street and St James Close in Derby, and on Knaphill Crescent in Northampton. The trio were arrested and cash, Class A drugs and phones were seized.

They were subsequently charged and remanded with conspiring to supply heroin and crack cocaine and arranging the travel of a child with a view to exploitation.

On Wednesday, 24 April 2024 they were jailed at Derby Crown Court. The sentences were:

• Nickai Pearman (25) of Warner Street, Derby – 9 years imprisonment.
• Kani Dilworth-Stovall (23) of James Close, Derby – 9 years imprisonment.
• Kwame Wolffe (35) of Lower Hastings Street, Leicester – also sentenced for a possession with intent to supply offence in Staffordshire from 2019. Total sentence 7 years, 10 months.

Detective Inspector Kane Martin, of the criminal exploitation team, said, “This was a complex county lines drugs conspiracy, and highlights the heartless tactics used by drug dealers to exploit vulnerable children. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

“Drug dealing has a devastating impact on our communities and the lives of people involved. This case serves as a reminder about the consequences and the importance of our ongoing work to tackle it.”

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:

• Repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas
• Having money, new clothes or electronic devices and they can't explain how they paid for them
• Getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they're speaking to
• Decline in school or work performance
• Significant changes in emotional or physical well-being

If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please contact us on the following details:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101 
• If its an emergency, where life is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress you should always call 999.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.