Kurt Orlanno faces Byron Bay Local Court pleading guilty to supplying cocaine in the North Coast tourist hub

Police were sent on a chase around Byron Bay to catch a carpenter selling drugs around town and to his “rugby mates”, a court has heard.

Kurt Orlanno outside Byron Bay Courthouse

Police were sent on a chase around Byron Bay to catch a Lennox Head carpenter selling drugs around town and to his “rugby mates”.

Kurt Orlanno, faced Byron Bay Local Court on Monday pleading guilty to supplying cocaine and dealing with the proceeds of crime (under $100,000).

Tweed-Byron Police District’s hunt for the 21-year-old began when police searched a man “behaving in a manner suggestive of them consuming prohibited drugs” and found a small bag of cocaine at Byron Bay about 12am on May 25, court documents state.

That man told police he bought the drug from a man at Casa Luna on Fletcher St and he provided officers with a description.

Police arrived at Casa Luna, spotted a man matching the description, searched him and found he also had a small bag of cocaine, the documents state.

Police visited Casa Luna (pictured) and Salt Water Social Club in Byron searching for the drug dealer – Orlanno.

He told police he was not dealing either and he purchased the drug from a man with a moustache, who was wearing a red and white football jersey under a black vest.

Continuing the investigation, police arrived at Salt Water Social Club on Jonson St about 2am and cornered Orlanno.

Police told him he fitted the description of a person supplying cocaine, but “Orlanno denied any involvement”.

“He was asked if he was in possession of any prohibited drugs, which he denied,” the documents state.

Police searched Orlanno and found seven bags of cocaine weighing 3.8 grams in total and $1950 cash in his wallet, which he claimed he won on the pokies.

Orlanno was busted with bags of cocaine. File image.

Orlanno was taken to Byron Bay Police Station and denied any knowledge of the drugs.

Defence Lawyer Tom Ivey told the court Orlanno was not a regular user of drugs and not a sophisticated and ongoing supplier.

“It was a one-off day – it’s not something he does frequently,” he said.

“The supply is out of character behaviour and he has a low risk of reoffending.”

Byron Bay Courthouse

Magistrate Karen Stafford said Orlanno was not honest with police.

“You were supplying and you did make a financial gain from it,” she said.

“You were selling it to your rugby mates and random other people too.

“There is a need for you to recognise the harm done to the community.”

Ms Stafford convicted Orlanno, fined him $1000 and sentenced him to serve a two-year community corrections order including 150 hours of community service work.