Three jailed after investigation into 'Popeye' drugs line in Rotherham
The investigation identified Andre Walters, Alan Latham, and Geoffrey Hooton as central players in distributing harmful substances throughout Rotherham.
Last updated 18th Jun 2026
An investigation into a drug dealing operation - dubbed 'Popeye' - has led to three men being handed prison terms.
South Yorkshire Police launched their investigation in January 2022, targeting the Kimberworth area, where the drugs line was suspected to be operating.
Over a period of 15 months detectives carried out a dozen raids and seized thousands of pounds in cash, along with 50 mobile phones.
The investigation identified Andre Walters, Alan Latham, and Geoffrey Hooton as central players in distributing Class A drugs throughout Rotherham.
CCTV captured Walters reactivating and topping up the phone containing the drugs line, managing to do so within 15 hours after officers seized another phone linked to the operation.
Mobile phone analysis uncovered that over six months, 72 bulk messages were sent offering drugs to hundreds of potential customers.
Evidence indicated Latham and Hooton worked in shifts, providing a 24-hour quick delivery service masterminded by Walters.
The men pled guilty to two counts of supplying Class A drugs and were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on June 16.
Andre Walters, 36, of HMP Doncaster, received eight years and eight months.
Alan Latham, 52, of Studmoor Road, Rotherham, received three years and nine months.
Geoffrey Hooton, 45, of Beckett Crescent, Rotherham, received three years and four months.
Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Matthew Jackson, of South Yorkshire Police, said:
"This was a sophisticated, organised criminal operation which sought to exploit those addicted to drugs. Phone analysis showed loyalty schemes and weekend offers in place with the sole intention of maximising profits from criminality.
"Class A drugs were being supplied by this group on an industrial scale. We estimate that over a six-month period the value of the drugs sold via the 'Popeye' line was in the region of £700,000, with several kilos of drugs being supplied across Rotherham."