A mamba user spent a night in the cells after being caught with the drug in a city street.
Liam Newton, 27, was arrested and brought to Nottingham Magistrates' Court because the summons had been sent to a former address.
He pleaded guilty to possession of mamba on Bentinck Street on February 28.
Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting, said that a policeman saw Newton "acting suspiciously" and trying to avoid him at 10.30am.
"He made efforts to get into a nearby building. He observed him dropping a small bag.
"He admitted the bag was mamba for his own personal use," added Mr Jerath.
District Judge Leo Pyle imposed a sentence of one day's custody "deemed served" on Newton, of St Paul's Terrace, Hyson Green. That meant immediate release for Newton.
The drugs must be destroyed.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with the main headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07790 586202. Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'Nottingham Post'. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group.
