Man allegedly linked to Stuart MacGill kidnapping in court

A man allegedly linked to the kidnapping of former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill did not apply for bail after he was charged with drug and firearm offences.

Zack Elkheir was not required to appear when his matter was heard in Newtown Local Court on Thursday after his dramatic arrest on the Anzac Bridge at Pyrmont on Wednesday, ending a seven-month search.

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.

NSW Police said officers attempted to stop Mr Elkheir, who was driving a silver Toyota Camry, in Laycock St at Neutral Bay about 2.50pm on Wednesday, but he allegedly refused to stop and struck a police car.

He allegedly fled the area but was found a short time later and stopped by police on the Anzac Bridge.

Officers searched the vehicle and found what they allege is cocaine.

Mr Elkheir was arrested and taken to Newtown police station while officers from Strike Force Cain and Raptor Squad detectives raided a home at Casula.

Officers allegedly seized more than 965g of cocaine, more than $290,000 cash, a revolver and ammunition at the property.

Police said they had been surveilling the man for several weeks.

He 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.

Mr Elkheir did not apply for bail and his matter will return to court on December 14.

Strike Force Cain is continuing the investigation into drug supply that was sparked following Mr MacGill’s alleged kidnapping in April.

There is no suggestion Mr Elkheir was involved in the alleged kidnapping.

Police also 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.

In September Mr Sotiropoulos, 47, failed in his bid to be freed after his lawyer argued that the matter wasn’t likely to go to trial until 2023.

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.

Six men have been arrested over the alleged plot, including Mr Sotiropoulos.