A parcel containing green ecstasy tablets shaped like the WhatsApp logo was intercepted by police before it reached its intended recipient.
The package was sent from the Netherlands and was addressed to Patrick McLoughlin at a property in Nottingham Road, New Basford.
However it failed to reach the 31-year-old after customs officers ran checks that indicated the parcel contained illegal drugs.
The package was opened and found to contain 70 green tablets shaped like the WhatsApp logo.
The tablets contained MDMA and had a street value of approximately £700.
Nottinghamshire Police was notified and McLoughlin was arrested.
Officers seized his phone and discovered messages referring to him having “WhatsApp tablets”.
They also found messages that referred to him importing drugs for onward sale.
McLoughlin was subsequently charged with being concerned in the importation of a class A drug.
He pleaded guilty to the offence at Nottingham Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for a year.
Inspector Paul Ferguson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have seen MDMA tablets created to look like culturally popular items before and a recent example of this are these ‘WhatsApp’ tablets.
“They may look fun but let me be really clear: these are dangerous tablets that contain significant levels of MDMA and could put anyone taking these in serious harm.
“If you come across these or any other type of drug, please do not take them for your own safety, as you can never be sure what these pills contain.
“In this case, customs officers did a fantastic job in intercepting this package and notifying the authorities.
“Drug supply will not be tolerated in Nottinghamshire will continue to locate and prosecute those who believe themselves to be above the law.”
