Convicted Taree cocaine dealer Joshua Lewis returns to Taree court, warned to complete hours or face re-sentencing

A cocaine dealer busted after bags fell from his pocket at a Mid-North Coast bowlo – and seen on camera licking a white substance off his hands – has returned to court. Here’s why.

Forster Police Station in the foreground with the courthouse and the lake behind.

A cocaine dealer busted after bags of the drug fell from his pocket at the local bowlo – and seen on camera licking a white substance off his hands – has returned to court.

Joshua Lewis from Taree has been given a warning for breaching a court order.

Lewis was convicted of supplying cocaine and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service when he faced Forster Local Court in August last year.

The charge stemmed from a mishap by Lewis at Forster Bowling Club on September 24, 2022.

Lewis walked into the club just after 10am and went through the pokie room to the smoking area, police state in court documents.

A bag fell from his pocket – later found to contain 10 smaller bags of cocaine – as he walked past the foyer, but Lewis did notice at the time.

Police were called after a club worker discovered the drugs and officers viewed security footage to determine Lewis dropped the bag.

Joshua Lewis leaves Forster court on Wednesday.

The total weight of the cocaine was 11.12 grams, the documents state.

Further examination of footage by police showed Lewis still in the club about 1.20pm, in a “clearly affected state”.

Lewis was seen pouring a white substance into his hand and the hands of two other men.

One man attempted to give the other a high-five, but he declined and reported the incident.

Police state Lewis and the remaining man hesitated briefly before they licked the white substance off their hands and washed it down with a drink.

Lewis was later asked to leave the club and police arrested him on March 20, 2023.

He faced the court on Wednesday for allegedly breaching a court order, represented by lawyer Brooke Drinkwater.

The court was told Lewis struggled to complete 100 hours of community service while working as a labourer. He had only completed 45 hours.

Magistrate Allison Hawkins warned Lewis to complete the required hours, or he could have to return to court to be re-sentenced for drug dealing.

The breach matter was adjourned to October 30.

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