Two men from St Albans have been sentenced for possession with intent to supply controlled dugs – which had a street value of £1.2 million.

Jack Alexander Geach, 27, of Remus Close, was sentenced to two years and three months and one year and nine months for two charges of possession with intent to avoid prohibition.

He was also sentenced to one year and three months for a charge of exportation with intent to avoid probation.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Mark Vaughan, 28, also of Remus Close, was sentenced to two nine months sentences, to run concurrently for possession of Class A controlled drugs, which are suspended for two years.

He was also given a curfew between 8pm and 7am for four months and was asked to complete a 150 hours community order.

St Albans Crown Court heard on Friday how both men used a mail box company to distribute New Psychoactive Substances overseas.

This substance was re-classified as Class B and then Class A drugs through legislation change and their activity continued despite this.

Hertfordshire Constabulary led the investigation into these offences and gained a temporary banning order on the substances being sold.

The package was declared as ‘documents’ on the customs paperwork but contained sheets of printed paper with a psychedelic design – which were suspected of being over 10,000 LSD tablets.

In July last year, police attended the home of Jack Geach and Mark Vaughan and arrested Jack Geach.

Mark Vaughan was interviewed by Hertfordshire police in August 2014 and subsequently summonsed to Court.

Detective Inspector Ian Butler, from serious and organised crime, who led the investigation, said: "New Psychoactive Substances are harmful chemical substitutes for dangerous drugs.

"They are designed by chemists to be used as illegal drugs and in many cases when they have been tested they are found to contain illegal substances.

"There is nothing ‘legal’ about them. They can cause long term organ failure, brain damage or death. They are not fit for human consumption.

"Parliament is clearly working hard to keep up with slight chemical changes in drugs that side step legislation, and suitable classification is being given to suitable substances when evaluated.

"I am pleased with the sentence passed today – it sends a clear messages to those considering either selling or consuming these substances.

"Not only have we prevented those involved from gaining from this venture but we have prevented these substances from hitting the streets of Hertfordshire and further afield which could have resulted in serious life changing conditions or fatalities to those who consume them.

"New Psychoactive Substances are not fit for human consumption.

"I hope this goes some way to educate and deter those considering consuming or distributing NPS substances that legislative loopholes are being closed and Hertfordshire Constabulary together with our partner agencies will pursue those active in the distribution of controlled drugs."