Two drug couriers who were caught with a large amount of amphetamine sulphate at high purity have each been jailed for four years.

David Hatton, 37, and Carl Fallon, 34, were arrested after they had a rendezvous outside some bungalows in Hartlip on March 24.

Hatton, of Chalfont Drive, Rainham, and Fallon, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 15kg of amphetamine seized could have been worth more than £300,000 when cut down into deals.

Prosecutor James Ross said Fallon was tracked driving a van containing the drugs over the Dartford Crossing and meeting up with Hatton in an Audi car.

Fallon handed over what appeared to be a heavy, large laundry bag and Hatton, an engineer, put it in the boot of his car.

Both of them drove off but were arrested soon afterwards. Two laundry bags filled with packages of powder were seized from the car.

More of the drug was found at Hatton’s home, along with a small amount of herbal cannabis. Two kilos of amphetamine was in the van.

Mr Ross said Fallon gave a prepared statement saying he was a plumber whose partner had just had a baby and they were struggling financially.

He claimed he was asked to deliver something, but did not know it was drugs. He added that he was never paid.

Hatton, who served 42 months for conspiracy to supply cannabis, refused to answer questions.

Recorder James Dawson said he accepted the two men were acting as couriers.

“This was a large amount whatever the purity,” he said. “It means you have to be punished commensurate with the amount of drugs you are dealing in.

“These drugs cause untold misery and hardship to so many people who get addicted to them. You put your hats in the ring and were part of this enterprise.

“The value of the drugs is extremely high.”

Daniel Murray, for Hatton, said the father agreed to be a courier to “scotch” a drug debt of £2,000.

“The screws were put on him by others,” he said. “There is no suggestion he received any cash.

“Those on the bottom rung are in the front line and likely to get caught. The car was borrowed from his sister. It has not been returned.”