Joshua Paul Townsend faces Toowoomba Magistrates Court charged with possessing dangerous drugs and other drug offences

A Toowoomba man found with more than 40g of cannabis down the front of his pants during a police search now has a prescription for the drug, a court has been told.

A Toowoomba man who had more than 40g of cannabis stashed down the front of his pants now has a prescription to use the drug legally, a court has been told.

Police were patrolling in Helidon about 9pm on July 5, 2022 when they spotted a vehicle partially concealed by a semi-trailer and approached in order to conduct a search, Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told on Tuesday.

As they approached police prosecutor Anita Page said officers saw three people inside, before the driver get out of the car and bent down.

Joshua Paul Townsend, 23, fronted Toowoomba Magistrates Court where he was sentenced for drug offences.

Noticing a bong near the vehicle all occupants of the vehicle were searched, as well as the car, which uncovered a bowl containing 1g of chopped cannabis as well as scissors and a grinder.

The court was told Joshua Paul Townsend was also searched, with officers locating 42g of cannabis concealed down the front of his pants.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils that had been used and property suspected of having been used in connection with a drug offence.

Townsend’s solicitor Alyhsa Jacobsen told the court her client had received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration on August 2 to be prescribed medicinal cannabis to treat his anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia.

Ms Jacobsen said Townsend was with friends on the night and weren’t causing any other issues for the public.

While noting that the offence was committed while he was on probation, magistrate Clare Kelly opted to fine Townsend $600, with a conviction recorded.