Birmingham 'Ace Line' Drug Dealer Claims £250 Daily Earnings in Murder Trial
In a dramatic courtroom testimony, a drug dealer accused of murdering a customer has revealed he earned up to £250 per day while working for a notorious Birmingham drug line. Mohammed Rahman, aged 25, took the stand at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, January 21, where he detailed his involvement in the violent incident that led to the death of 53-year-old Craig Dean.
Fatal Attack in Kings Heath Sparks Murder Trial
The court heard that Rahman and fellow 'Ace line' supplier Hamza Khan, 23, are alleged to have fatally attacked Mr Dean outside his home on Springfield Road in Kings Heath on July 7 last year. The victim, known locally as 'Yankee', sustained severe injuries and died two days later, prompting murder charges against both defendants.
Rahman admitted his participation in the violent confrontation but insisted he acted in self-defence. He described Mr Dean as a 'bigger figure' who became aggressive, leaving him frightened and compelled to protect himself. The trial was adjourned before Rahman could provide specific details about the fatal assault, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Friday, January 23.
Daily Operations of the 'Ace Line' Drug Network
During his testimony, Rahman provided unprecedented insight into the workings of the 'Ace line' drug operation. He confirmed he had worked for the network for approximately six months before the attack, earning between £200 to £250 daily for five to six days each week. His shifts typically lasted up to six hours, during which he performed various crucial functions.
Rahman described his role as answering calls, sending texts, and directing driver Hamza Khan to delivery locations across Kings Heath, Moseley, and parts of Balsall Heath. He emphasised their partnership was 'equal', though he denied owning the operation, claiming it was controlled by 'someone else above'. The line reportedly operated in these areas before Rahman's involvement began.
Relationship with Victim and Drug Supply Patterns
Rahman testified that he knew Mr Dean before joining the drug trade, recalling him 'always around' the Asda car park in Kings Heath 'begging for change'. Once Rahman began working on the Ace line, Mr Dean became a regular customer, receiving service more than ten times weekly and occasionally referring other buyers.
The dealer denied any prior conflict with Mr Dean but noted that in June and July last year, the victim frequently failed to appear after ordering drugs. Rahman explained his typical response: 'I would give him a call. If he didn't answer I would just carry on with my day. Because it became a regular thing I took it how it is.'
On July 7, Rahman claimed Mr Dean wrongly informed him that one of his customers had switched to another dealer, causing confusion. 'Yankee wouldn't do something like that. I was confused,' Rahman told the court, though he proceeded with the delivery regardless due to other waiting customers.
Background and Previous Criminal History
Answering questions about his past, Rahman revealed he began smoking cannabis at age 15 and later supplied drugs to 'pay for my lifestyle'. This led to a drug debt and subsequent conviction for supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Surrey in 2020.
He also confirmed receiving a police caution at age 16 for sending 'personal private photos' of a girl to her brother, expressing regret for this action. Rahman, from Hall Green, and Khan, from Moseley, have both pleaded not guilty to murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter as their trial continues.
