Blackburn drug dealer jailed as police hunt two more men in crack cocaine investigation
A Blackburn drug dealer who orchestrated crack cocaine supply through others has been jailed – as police issue a fresh appeal to trace two other men wanted as part of the same investigation.
Lancashire Police said 23-year-old Josh Lane, of Pelham Street, directed street-level dealing while attempting to distance himself from the criminal activity.
Lane was convicted following a trial at Preston Crown Court, where he returned on Friday, January 23, to be sentenced to three years and six months in prison.
Police say Lane was giving instructions to others, including Agris Matulevics, 33, of Higson Street, Blackburn, who has since failed to attend court and is now wanted on a warrant for his arrest.
Officers are also seeking Romeo Kozlovskis, who they want to speak to as part of ongoing enquiries.
Drug deal spotted behind bookmakers
The investigation began on January 30, 2025, when officers from Lancashire Police’s East Proactive Targeting Team witnessed a suspected drug deal take place in a car park behind the Coral bookmakers on Bank Top.
A blue Seat Leon was seen pulling into the car park, where a transaction took place.
Later that day, both occupants of the vehicle were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. One of those arrested was Matulevics.
A forensic examination of Matulevics’ mobile phone uncovered messages showing he was being instructed where and when to deal drugs by Lane.
Lane was arrested at his home on April 9 on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class A drugs.
Despite having recently changed his mobile number, officers were still able to recover a series of incriminating messages, including one in which Lane told a contact to change their number because he was “paranoid about the police”.
Cash, cocaine traces and weapons seized
During a search of Lane’s home, officers recovered a tub containing traces of cocaine in the kitchen, hundreds of pounds in cash, multiple mobile phones and a black extendable ASP baton.
Lane denied being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine but was found guilty following a trial in October. A forfeiture order was made for the cash and phones seized during the investigation.
Matulevics pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine but failed to attend court for sentencing. Police have now issued a warrant for his arrest.
Police appeal for information
Detective Constable Tom Archer, from Lancashire Police’s East Proactive Targeting Team, said: “We know the impact drug dealing has on our local communities and we want to make it clear that our officers are out on the streets every day tackling it.
“Lane and Matulevics targeted vulnerable members of the community with the aim of making what they thought would be easy money. However, actions have consequences, and I am pleased Lane has now been jailed.
“I would ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Matulevics to contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Agris Matulevics or Romeo Kozlovskis is asked to call 101, quoting log 585 of January 30, 2025.
For immediate sightings, members of the public should call 999.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.