Medhat Mankaryous seeks bail on drug charges

Police will allege a notorious bikie gang’s so-called national sergeant-at-arms is “Eyeballz” – a codenamed figure who directed substantial drug manufacturing and supply in Sydney’s west.

The alleged national sergeant-at-arms of the Lone Wolfs was arrested in September 2023 over an alleged meth manufacturing and supply operation.

A Lone Wolf bikie who police say is the gang’s national sergeant-at-arms is accused of directing a substantial methamphetamine manufacturing and supply operation under the codename “Eyeballz”, a court has heard.

Self-confessed bikie Medhat Mankaryous, 41, has been behind bars on remand for more than six months over his alleged involvement in manufacturing and supplying 40kg of the drug ice at a Marsden Park address.

A person codenamed “Eyeballz” allegedly used an encrypted app to direct two co-accused men in the manufacture and supply – one of whom has now claimed Mankaryous is the boss in a statement to police.

Charges of large commercial drug manufacturing, large commercial drug supply and knowingly directing a criminal group have been certified for a NSW District Court trial.

Additional charges of failing to comply with a digital evidence access order and prohibited drug possession will be dealt with in the local court.

Mankaryous the day he was arrested.

In a bail application on Tuesday, the Crown told NSW Supreme Court Justice Robertson Wright it was “fanciful” to suggest “Eyeballz” could be anyone other than Mankaryous.

The court heard “Eyeballz” had referred in an encrypted message to returning from a Central Coast location the day before Mankaryous had also returned from a Central Coast location.

It was further alleged “Eyeballz” had referred to a particular close family member having an operation for a specific medical issue.

The court heard medical records indicate Mankaryous referred to the same kind of close family member having a procedure for an identical medical issue.

Police also allege “Eyeballz” also referred in messages to a specific rim he had on a motorbike – which Mankaryous also has on his own bike.

Mankaryous the day he was arrested.

“You have one individual who has been at the coast and communicated about it, is thinking about this particular type of front rim on his motorcycle, (and) he has a (family member) who has recently gone through a scare relating to (a medical issue),” the Crown said.

“It would be fanciful to believe there is a different person with the same factors matching up – these lead to the necessary conclusion that the applicant is ‘Eyeballz’.”

Prominent silk Greg James KC told the court Mankaryous conceded he was a member of the Lone Wolfs, but denied being the national sergeant-at-arms.

Mr James said Mankaryous would also deny being “Eyeballz”, and that the Crown case was significantly reliant on the credibility of the co-accused who identified Mankaryous as the drug syndicate’s director.

Raptor Squad at Mankaryous’ address the day he was arrested.

Justice Wright acknowledged Mankaryous had offered an $850,000 property as surety to guarantee he would remain in the jurisdiction while the matters were on foot.

He further acknowledged Mankaryous said he ran a plumbing business, though noted no evidence as to the scope of work or any employees had been provided to the court.

“It’s alleged the application with the two co-accused were involved in the manufacture of a large commercial quantity of methamphetamine in the outer suburbs of western Sydney,” Justice Wright said.

“It’s, in effect, alleged the applicant was the director of the others who had more direct responsibilities for manufacturing the drugs.”

Justice Wright said the drugs were allegedly worth more than $6 million on the street.

“It’s alleged he communicated with his co-accused using two handles – Angry, and Eyeballz, and he discusses the manufacturing with the co-accused, received reports on what was happening and how supplies would be made and gave directions,” Justice Wright said.

“In addition, there were suggestions of overseas involvement by other persons referred to during the encrypted conversations.”

Justice Wright said the allegations were serious and had the potential for a “significant adverse impact” on community safety.

He said he did not find any reason why Mankaryous’ detention was not justified and bail was refused.

The bikie’s matter returns to Penrith Local Court for case conference on May 10.