A MAN imported an illegal psychoactive substance from China as well as growing his own cannabis plants, a court heard.

Bryn Dando, 43, of Watergate Street, Llanfair Caereinion, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and importing the illegal substance when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said: "A Border Force Officer opened an envelope addressed to the defendant from China, containing white powder."

The powder was found to contain the prohibited substance and when officers went to Dando's address they found two full size tents containing nine cannabis plants with a street value of more than £3,000.

Dando told police and the probation service that the cannabis and the psychoactive substance were for his personal use, the substance - which he said provides feelings of euphoria - being similar to what is medically prescribed to him for alcohol treatment.

Paul Inns, defending, said: "He does suffer from depression and anxiety, and the nine plants were for self-medication."

Chair of the magistrates bench Nerys Jones gave Dando a £120 and a 12 month community order for the offences.

He will carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 court costs and a £90 victim surcharge.