The boss of an online sex toy company has been jailed for 12-years for heading a �550,000 heroin dealing plot.

Devon Smith, 40, of Chesterton Road, Plaistow, was preparing to flood the streets of London with more than eight kilos of the drug when he was watched by undercover police loading a �232,000 stash into a minicab.

Minicab boss Segun Idris-Oloko, 43, was arrested with the valuable parcel and a collection of sex toys Smith had told him to deliver.

A jury accepted Idris-Oloko’s explanation that he believed that bags containing the heroin were full of “shopping” and he was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Smith also denied involvement but was convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Jurors were reduced to fits of giggles during the trial after a barrister produced a 13-inch “multi-speed” vibrator found in the boot with the drugs.

Barrister Bernard Eaton said: “I’d like to have a look at that one.

“I’m fascinated by something that’s multi-speed.”

Judge Patricia Lees told the jury: “While Mr Eaton plays with this you can have a look at the rest of the exhibits.

“You’ll have to forgive Mr Eaton, he’s not got a very exciting life I’m afraid.”

Smith was trailed by police from an address in Denecroft Gardens, Grays, Essex, to Wansey Street, Walworth, south London where he met up with Idris-Oloko on August 24 last year.

The taxi driver was arrested shortly afterwards on Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle.

The blocks contained heroin at 45 per cent purity and there were three sex toys in a green carrier.

Smith and a third man Oliver Scott, 42, were linked to a second seizure of 4.96kg of heroin a week later on August 31, worth �330,000.

Both hauls were imported by Smith’s contact in Holland and the businessman was distributing it in the UK.

Judge Lees jailed Scott, who she called Smith’s “trusted lieutenant”, for nine years.

She told them: “You were involved in the organisation of the movement across London for profit.

“Both of you were close to the importation.

“You both played for high stakes and appreciated the risks to those you loved as well as yourself.”

They will each serve half their sentences less 229 days spent on remand.

Scott, of Dixon Court, Burgoyne Road, Finsbury Park, north London, denied the two conspiracies to supply class A drugs and was convicted.

Smith, of Chesterton Road, Plaistow, denied the second conspiracy and was convicted.

Idris-Oloko, of Holme Road, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, denied the first conspiracy and was cleared.