Bolton man sentenced after ecstasy drug lab busted
Barry Burke, 31, of Sandpiper Close, in Farnworth, and Ihtiandr Maciulevicius, 22, of no fixed abode, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, September 2).
On Tuesday, January 14 2025, police became aware that an industrial unit on Cleveland Street in Birkenhead was being used as a suspected drugs lab and contained drug making equipment and large quantities of unknown powders.
Following inquiries, it was found that the powder was MDMA and there were large pieces of machinery being used to produce ecstasy tablets.
The fingerprints of both Maciulevicius and Burke were found at the scene and they were subsequently arrested and charged.
Maciulevicius was jailed for six years after admitting the offence of being concerned in the production of a Class A drug (MDMA) and Burke was sentenced to three years and one month after pleading guilty to Section 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 relating to participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wilkinson said: “Thankfully we have been able to put a stop to this potentially hazardous drugs lab and removed a large quantity of Class A drugs from circulation.
“What was found on Cleveland Street had the potential to not only spread untold misery across our communities through drug use, but also cause serious health risks to those living nearby.
“It’s only right that Maciulevicius and Burke will both spend time in prison when I hope they will reflect on their actions.
“Key to our successes in removing drugs and other harmful items from the streets is information from those communities who are affected, so keep coming forward and we will take positive action.”
Source – INDIA TV
