Their £230,000 plot fell apart because someone failed to pay the rent

An "industrial scale" drugs factory was unearthed when the gang behind it failed to keep up with their rent payments. The police stumbled upon the facility, capable of churning out tens of thousands of ecstasy tablets, after bailiffs repossessed the rented unit due to "irregular" payments from the organised crime group.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Ihtiandr Maciulevicius had been practically living at the premises while "getting his hands dirty", with his slippers and dressing gown even found inside. Meanwhile, the fingerprints of a second man, Barry Burke, were discovered on commercial machinery used in the £230,000 scheme.

Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 2) that the industrial unit in question, located on Cleveland Street in Birkenhead , was lease