Joshua Kenneth Burwell busted with drugs after North Ipswich raid

An Ipswich man fronted court after police raided his home and uncovered his drug stash.

When police stormed an Ipswich man’s home over an unrelated criminal matter, they got more than they bargained for.

Ipswich Courthouse. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Police prosecutions told Ipswich Magistrates Court that inside Joshua Kenneth Burwell’s bedroom police found three bags of marijuana and a homemade bong on December 20, 2021.

The court heard while officers searched the Downs St home in North Ipswich, the father was cooperative and owned up to his drug use.

Burwell’s duty lawyer told the court he used weed to help with sleep and was in the process of trying to get a prescription for the drug.

Joshua Burwell fronted Ipswich court after police raided his home and located drugs.

As the father was the sole career of his 10-year-old son, the court heard the 33-year-old occasionally worked as a part time labourer.

Magistrate Virginia Sturgess warned Burwell that if he intended to continue to use cannabis he may end up back before the court.

“You need your licence. Cannabis is detectable in saliva for quite a while, whether it’s lawfully prescribed or you are taking it unlawfully to self-medicate – it doesn’t matter, you will lose (it),” she warned.

Magistrate Sturgess said Burwell’s criminal history showed sporadic drug use, although noted his last entry was in 2017.

On Wednesday, February 9, Burwell pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs, a drug utensil, and was fined $300.