In-depth Rotherham Fortify investigation dismantles gang supplying drugs on an 'industrial scale'
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A lengthy and thorough investigation into a dedicated drugs line in Rotherham has resulted in three men being jailed.
In January 2022, Rotherham's Operation Fortify Team launched an investigation into the 'Popeye' drugs line, which was believed to be operating in and around the Kimberworth area.
Over the following 15 months, detectives worked diligently to piece together the hierarchical structure of the enterprise, identifying the key players involved in funnelling harmful substances onto the streets of Rotherham.
Officers executed over a dozen warrants, seizing thousands of pounds in cash and 50 mobile phones in the process. This work identified Andre Walters, Alan Latham and Geoffrey Hooton as all playing a role in the drugs line.
Telecoms work showed that whenever a handset containing the drug line was seized, it would be reactivated and used in another mobile phone.
CCTV enquiries captured Walters reactivating the and topping up the 'Popeye' line - including one occasion where he reactivated the line 15 hours after officers seized a phone.
Work analysing the mobile phones also identified that over a six-month period, there were 72 ‘bulk’ messages offering to supply drugs to hundreds of potential customers.
Evidence was uncovered that Latham and Hooton worked shifts to deliver drugs ordered via the 'Popeye' line. Walters effectively employed the duo to provide a 24-hour rapid drug delivery service.
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Drugs were supplied on an 'industrial scale'
Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Matthew Jackson explained more:
"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."
All three men were charged with two counts of supplying a controlled drug of Class A - to which they all pleaded guilty to.
Appearing at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday (16 June), the men were handed the following sentences:
- Andre Walters, aged 36, of HMP Doncaster, was jailed for eight years and eight months
- Alan Latham, aged 52, of Studmoor Road, Rotherham, was jailed for three years and nine months
- Geoffrey Hooton, aged 45, of Beckett Crescent, Rotherham, was jailed for three years and four months
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Andre Walters -
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Geoffrey Hooton -
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Alan Latham
Continue to 'bring offenders to justice'
Proceeds of Crime hearings will take place over the next few months to establish what, if any, criminal assets and property each defendant has which can be forfeited.
DS Jackson added:
"I would like to thank the Rotherham Fortify team, as well as the many other departments and people who assisted in bringing this complex case to a successful conclusion.
“Throughout my police service I have seen firsthand the devastating effects illicit drugs have on individuals, families and our communities.
"We will continue working proactively to root out those committing these types of crimes and bring offenders to justice, while also removing these dangerous drugs from circulation.
"If you suspect drug dealing is happening near where you live, report it to us. Your information could lead to harmful offenders being taken off the streets."
You can contact us online here Report | South Yorkshire Police, or by calling 101. If you'd prefer to remain anonymous, you can report to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a completely anonymous service.