Zack Elkheir: Man allegedly linked to Stuart MacGill saga in court

A Sydney man allegedly linked to the kidnapping saga of former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill will spend Christmas behind bars.

Zack Elkheir, 28, did not apply for bail when his matter was heard in Newtown Local Court on Tuesday, days after his dramatic arrest on the Anzac Bridge at Pyrmont last week, ending a seven-month search.

Mr Elkheir, who is facing drug and firearm offences, was to appear via AVL from prison where he is on remand but due to a technical issue could only address the court via audio.

He only spoke once to confirm he could hear magistrate Glenn Bartley.

“Yes I heard,” Mr Elkheir told the court.

“Bail not applied for, refused,” Mr Bartley said.

A medical certificate was also tendered in court to ensure Mr Elkheir received “vital medication” while behind bars.

Police had been searching for the 28-year-old, known as “Sonny”, since April and alleged he was linked to a drug deal gone wrong that led to Mr MacGill being kidnapped.

Mr Elkheir has not been charged with any offences relating to Mr MacGill’s kidnapping.

Police officers tried to stop Mr Elkheir, who was driving a Toyota Camry, in Neutral Bay last week. But he allegedly refused and tried to struck a police car before fleeing the area.

He was intercepted on the Anzac Bridge where officers searched the vehicle and found what they alleged was cocaine.

Detectives then raided a home at Casula where they allegedly seized more than 965g of cocaine, more than $290,000 cash, a revolver and ammunition.

Mr Elkheir was charged with using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, possessing an unregistered firearm and possessing ammunition without having a licence.

Strike Force Cain is continuing to probe drug supply following Mr MacGill’s alleged kidnapping in April.

Police previously said Mr MacGill was not involved in any illegal activity and was “purely” a victim.

Mr MacGill allegedly provided an introduction between Marino Sotiropoulos, the brother of his partner Maria O’Meagher, and Mr Elkheir.

Police earlier alleged Mr MacGill was taken to a Bringelly property in Sydney’s southwest, where he was assaulted, threatened with a gun and demands were made for money.

He was allegedly held for an hour before being driven to Belmore, in southwest Sydney, where he was released.

Investigations are ongoing.

Mr Elkheir’s matter will return to court on February 17.