DETECTIVES are still hunting a suspected drugs dealer - thought to be involved in a £100,000 drugs deal in Rishton - three years after his arrest.

Police have confirmed that they are still following up a number of leads in relation to David Anthony Stuart, who was arrested following the seizure of 20,000 ecstasy tablets in June 2004.

Stuart, 27, who is originally from Blackpool, is reported by police to have been working in the Malaga area of southern Spain as a funeral director.

A Lancashire Police organised crime unit spokesman said: "We are actively investigating Stuart's case and are making a number of enquiries."

Stuart was arrested and charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

He was detained alongside Simon Day, 37, of Walmesley Street, Rishton.

Day was jailed for eight years in October 2005 for being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Stuart was given bail as part of the same court proceedings but failed to attend a court hearing in July 2005. An arrest warrant was then issued for him.

If caught, Stuart could also face stiff financial penalties - Day was ordered to pay more than £150,000 after a court ruled these were the proceeds from his criminal lifestyle.

Stuart, who also uses the surname Ashworth, is named on Lancashire Police's website as one of their most wanted suspects.

Day and Stuart were arrested as part of Operation Agog, a wide-ranging inquiry into the supply of hard drugs in East Lancashire in summer 2004.