Behind the White Line: New LiSTNR podcast investigates Australia’s war on cocaine

A new podcast launching on LiSTNR today exposes the depth of Australia’s cocaine epidemic – and the fractured law enforcement effort trying to put a stop to it.

Produced by The West Australian, the six-part investigative documentary series explores how Australia has become the world’s biggest user of cocaine per capita.

Hosted by award-winning investigative journalist Richard Baker (main image)and published on LiSTNR’s Secrets We Keep feed, the series takes listeners deep inside an audacious $1 billion sting operation.

From the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and West Australian state police dumping fake bricks of cocaine 70 kilometres off the Perth coast to the explosive turf wars between Federal Police, the DEA and West Australian police, Baker reveals a system in conflict while cartels remain united.

Baker said “This collaboration with The West Australian has allowed us to look deep into a story that starts on the shores of WA but has massive national and international implications. We’re at a point where cocaine use is almost normalised in Australia, but there is a dark, complex trail that leads to those cubicles. While the cartels are working together with lethal efficiency, our own law enforcement agencies are locked in a fierce turf war. That friction gives the cartels a deadly advantage.”

Clair Weaver, LiSTNR Head of Factual, said “Behind the White Line is a masterclass in investigative storytelling and a testament to the strength of our partnership with The West Australian.”

“Richard Baker has uncovered a narrative that is as thrilling as it is sobering, shedding light on the scale of the cartels’ reach into Australia. Fresh off the back of the hugely successful Dezi Freeman: The Hunt miniseries, the Secrets We Keep podcast feed is Australia’s home for quality investigative journalism, and true crime stories.”

Listeners can dive deeper into the investigation with exclusive reports, analysis and extended coverage available on thewest.com.au.

The Behind the White Line podcast launches today, Thursday 21 May. New episodes published every Thursday on the free LiSTNR app.

Images supplied.