Zack Elkheir arrested on drugs charges by police investigating Stuart MacGill kidnapping
An alleged drug dealer linked to the kidnapping of former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has been arrested after a seven-month manhunt.
Police & Courts
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An alleged drug dealer linked to the kidnapping of former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has been arrested in a peak hour vehicle stop on one of Sydney’s busiest roads.
Zack Elkheir, 28, was pulled over on the Anzac Bridge at Pyrmont about 3.15pm on Wednesday, while at the same time a search warrant was being executed at a home in Casula, in the city’s southwest.
In searches of the vehicle and home police allegedly found $300,000 cash, illicit drugs and a firearm.
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Elkheir’s arrest comes after a seven month police manhunt for the man known to associates as “Sonny” and allegedly linked to MacGill’s kidnapping from outside his Cremorne apartment in April 2021.
Elkheir has not been charged with any offences relating to the alleged drug deal or MacGill’s kidnapping.
MacGill was allegedly kidnapped, driven to a remote farmhouse and threatened, before being dumped – at which point he went into hiding.
NSW Police have maintained MacGill was an innocent victim in the kidnapping, with his involvement coming as a result of introducing “Sonny” – Elkheir – and Marino Sotiropoulos, the brother of his partner Maria O’Meagher.
Police allege that Sotiropoulos, who is facing life imprisonment on drugs charges, sought to supply Elkheir with two kilograms of cocaine.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives pulled over Elkheir’s silver Camry as it travelled westbound on the Anzac Bridge.
He was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station, where he is assisting with inquiries.
At the same time, Detective linked to Strike Force Cain – which was established in the wake of MacGill being kidnapped executed a search warrant at a home in Casula.
The firearm, illicit drugs and cash seized during the searches will undergo forensic examination.
Elkheir spent the night in police cells and is due to face Newtown Local Court on Thursday.
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