1 00:00:17,620 --> 00:00:20,660 MAHMOOD FAZAL: Inside this Ho Chi Minh City building 2 00:00:20,660 --> 00:00:25,340 is an apartment used by an alleged baron of Australia's meth trade. 3 00:00:26,540 --> 00:00:30,420 For months I've been investigating the supply chain for methamphetamine, 4 00:00:30,420 --> 00:00:32,380 mostly ice, or crystal meth... 5 00:00:35,860 --> 00:00:37,420 They're huge. 6 00:00:37,420 --> 00:00:37,660 They're huge. ..following high-level traffickers, dealers, cooks, runners, enforcers... 7 00:00:37,660 --> 00:00:43,980 ..following high-level traffickers, dealers, cooks, runners, enforcers... 8 00:00:43,980 --> 00:00:45,860 I'm loyal to the people I'm with, 9 00:00:45,860 --> 00:00:49,540 and I'm aggressive and violent to protect them. 10 00:00:50,700 --> 00:00:52,340 ..retracing the journey 11 00:00:52,340 --> 00:00:55,740 the drug takes from its source in South-East Asia 12 00:00:55,740 --> 00:00:59,460 to the people who control the trade there - 13 00:00:59,460 --> 00:01:03,900 powerful militia and secretive Chinese syndicates. 14 00:01:03,900 --> 00:01:07,420 If you were to describe the triads in one word, what word would you use? 15 00:01:07,420 --> 00:01:07,660 If you were to describe the triads Ruthless. 16 00:01:07,660 --> 00:01:08,700 Ruthless. 17 00:01:08,700 --> 00:01:10,300 Cold. 18 00:01:10,300 --> 00:01:11,580 We've never been more challenged. 19 00:01:11,580 --> 00:01:13,980 It's relentless. It's 24/7. 20 00:01:13,980 --> 00:01:17,820 Australia is one of the most lucrative meth markets. 21 00:01:17,820 --> 00:01:18,060 Australia is one of the most Last year 22 00:01:18,060 --> 00:01:19,220 Last year 23 00:01:19,220 --> 00:01:19,460 we shot up, smoked and snorted Last year 24 00:01:19,460 --> 00:01:23,740 we shot up, smoked and snorted around 10.5 tonnes of meth - 25 00:01:23,740 --> 00:01:26,460 a 17% increase on the year before. 26 00:01:26,460 --> 00:01:29,980 We spent about $10 billion on the drug. 27 00:01:29,980 --> 00:01:32,820 It's easy to get. It's easy to use. 28 00:01:32,820 --> 00:01:34,380 It's reasonably cheap. 29 00:01:34,380 --> 00:01:37,380 But the consequences are devastating. 30 00:01:38,340 --> 00:01:41,940 The humiliation, the judgement, the segregations. 31 00:01:42,900 --> 00:01:46,820 I've travelled thousands of kilometres along the meth pipeline 32 00:01:46,820 --> 00:01:47,060 I've travelled thousands to investigate the trade 33 00:01:47,060 --> 00:01:49,060 to investigate the trade 34 00:01:49,060 --> 00:01:53,620 and to hunt a man believed to be one of the drug barons behind it. 35 00:02:10,420 --> 00:02:13,100 I'm at this address waiting for a meth cook. 36 00:02:14,060 --> 00:02:15,500 A little bit nervous 37 00:02:15,500 --> 00:02:16,980 because it's taken a lot 38 00:02:16,980 --> 00:02:19,660 for us to convince him to 39 00:02:19,660 --> 00:02:19,860 be part of this documentary for us to convince him to 40 00:02:19,860 --> 00:02:21,140 be part of this documentary 41 00:02:21,140 --> 00:02:23,100 and to tell his side of the story, 42 00:02:23,100 --> 00:02:23,300 and to tell his side of the story, and I hope he shows up. 43 00:02:23,300 --> 00:02:26,220 and I hope he shows up. 44 00:02:29,780 --> 00:02:31,260 (KNOCK AT DOOR) 45 00:02:31,260 --> 00:02:32,580 He's here. 46 00:02:38,620 --> 00:02:40,260 Turn the camera off. 47 00:02:41,700 --> 00:02:42,900 Hello? 48 00:02:44,260 --> 00:02:45,300 Thanks for coming. 49 00:02:45,300 --> 00:02:45,540 How are you? Thanks for coming. 50 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:47,340 How are you? Good. 51 00:02:48,540 --> 00:02:50,820 CREW: Is it OK if I film? Can she film yet or... 52 00:02:50,820 --> 00:02:52,140 Yes. Yeah, yeah. 53 00:02:52,140 --> 00:02:53,540 Of course. 54 00:02:55,260 --> 00:02:58,180 This cook has asked me to call him Brendan. 55 00:02:58,180 --> 00:02:58,420 This cook has asked me What have you got in your bag? 56 00:02:58,420 --> 00:02:59,740 What have you got in your bag? 57 00:03:08,540 --> 00:03:11,900 He says he's going to explain how he cuts his ice. 58 00:03:11,900 --> 00:03:13,340 What's in this tub? 59 00:03:20,060 --> 00:03:21,580 So, it's good for you? 60 00:03:32,740 --> 00:03:37,380 Guys like Brendan operate at the bottom of a vast global supply chain. 61 00:03:41,740 --> 00:03:43,220 How much is that worth? 62 00:03:50,420 --> 00:03:53,140 At a high-level commercial trafficking level, 63 00:03:53,140 --> 00:03:54,620 what kind of product are they dealing with? 64 00:04:06,860 --> 00:04:08,540 They're huge. 65 00:04:12,940 --> 00:04:16,980 How much money could you make off one of those big rocks 66 00:04:16,980 --> 00:04:18,260 on the street? 67 00:04:22,140 --> 00:04:23,820 (CHUCKLES) 68 00:04:23,820 --> 00:04:26,260 I'm just gonna get some more light. 69 00:04:26,260 --> 00:04:26,460 Cutting maximises profits I'm just gonna get some more light. 70 00:04:26,460 --> 00:04:28,500 Cutting maximises profits 71 00:04:28,500 --> 00:04:33,060 by diluting the meth with a cheap substitute to bulk out the product. 72 00:04:34,140 --> 00:04:37,460 And Brendan's going to show me just one part of the process. 73 00:05:15,500 --> 00:05:17,980 And then just go straight in. 74 00:05:58,500 --> 00:06:00,700 Australia is a key market. 75 00:06:00,700 --> 00:06:04,180 We're among the world's biggest users. 76 00:06:04,180 --> 00:06:05,580 For the past 10 years 77 00:06:05,580 --> 00:06:10,340 outreach workers Jane and Mike have seen the havoc firsthand. 78 00:06:11,300 --> 00:06:12,900 JANE: On the street there's more chaos. 79 00:06:12,900 --> 00:06:16,100 There's a lot more engagement with police. 80 00:06:18,500 --> 00:06:20,020 There's a massive increase 81 00:06:20,020 --> 00:06:20,260 There's a massive increase drug-induced psychosis, 82 00:06:20,260 --> 00:06:22,220 in what we call drug-induced psychosis, 83 00:06:22,220 --> 00:06:23,820 or they might call it 'dip'. 84 00:06:23,820 --> 00:06:24,060 or they might call it 'dip'. Jane says ice has taken over. 85 00:06:24,060 --> 00:06:25,740 Jane says ice has taken over. 86 00:06:25,740 --> 00:06:25,980 And I would say 95% of my caseload Jane says ice has taken over. 87 00:06:25,980 --> 00:06:29,900 And I would say 95% of my caseload is now meth users. 88 00:06:32,900 --> 00:06:34,460 What are your thoughts on... 89 00:06:34,460 --> 00:06:37,540 They spot a rough sleeper Jane used to work with. 90 00:06:37,540 --> 00:06:41,820 His name is Matty and he says he'll meet them in a nearby park. 91 00:06:41,820 --> 00:06:46,380 He also tells Jane and Mike he had a hit a few hours ago. 92 00:06:46,380 --> 00:06:48,980 MIKE: He keeps saying he's going to go, and then he... 93 00:06:49,940 --> 00:06:53,260 ..he gets distracted and does something else anyway. 94 00:06:53,260 --> 00:06:53,500 ..he gets distracted and does something else anyway. And if he doesn't come in 5 or 10, 95 00:06:53,500 --> 00:06:55,100 And if he doesn't come in 5 or 10, 96 00:06:55,100 --> 00:06:55,340 I would guess we're probably... And if he doesn't come in 5 or 10, 97 00:06:55,340 --> 00:06:58,380 I would guess we're probably... we'd be here for hours. 98 00:06:58,380 --> 00:07:02,020 Time doesn't have much relevance here. 99 00:07:02,020 --> 00:07:02,260 Time doesn't have Eventually they catch up with him. 100 00:07:02,260 --> 00:07:05,140 Eventually they catch up with him. 101 00:07:05,140 --> 00:07:05,380 And how are things going Eventually they catch up with him. 102 00:07:05,380 --> 00:07:07,300 And how are things going for you at the moment? 103 00:07:14,020 --> 00:07:16,660 Matty's paranoid police are coming for him. 104 00:07:16,660 --> 00:07:19,060 You know, you're just a homeless-bum no-one. 105 00:07:19,060 --> 00:07:21,300 He insists on going somewhere private. 106 00:07:21,300 --> 00:07:23,140 OK, what about snap, crackle and pop? 107 00:07:23,140 --> 00:07:23,380 OK, what about After about an hour and a half 108 00:07:23,380 --> 00:07:24,900 After about an hour and a half 109 00:07:24,900 --> 00:07:26,780 he's ready to talk. 110 00:07:26,780 --> 00:07:29,180 How's today been for you? 111 00:07:29,180 --> 00:07:30,540 Um... 112 00:07:31,620 --> 00:07:33,420 Uh... 113 00:07:35,180 --> 00:07:38,780 Lately I've been struggling in myself a bit. 114 00:07:38,780 --> 00:07:40,180 You know, I was up all night. 115 00:07:40,180 --> 00:07:42,100 Oh, yeah. Yeah. 116 00:07:42,100 --> 00:07:45,460 You're not sleeping at night or it's just too hard to... 117 00:07:45,460 --> 00:07:49,180 No, I just finally got some decent ice last night. 118 00:07:49,180 --> 00:07:49,940 Ah. 119 00:07:49,940 --> 00:07:51,500 And if you buy a half ball... 120 00:07:51,500 --> 00:07:56,020 Matty starts describing his experiences on the drug. 121 00:07:56,020 --> 00:07:59,140 Well, I've had to do things that I don't like doing. 122 00:07:59,140 --> 00:08:02,380 Sometimes you can get a contaminated hit. 123 00:08:02,380 --> 00:08:07,340 You know, a dirty hit is quite unpleasant of unpleasants. 124 00:08:07,340 --> 00:08:08,380 Everyone's got their own... 125 00:08:08,380 --> 00:08:09,700 As I listen to Matty, 126 00:08:09,700 --> 00:08:12,180 I can't help but think about the meth barons 127 00:08:12,180 --> 00:08:14,700 swamping our streets with this devastating drug. 128 00:08:14,700 --> 00:08:19,380 And it can take a life, possibly, at the extremes. 129 00:08:19,380 --> 00:08:19,620 And it can take a life, possibly, I want to know who's behind it. 130 00:08:19,620 --> 00:08:21,380 I want to know who's behind it. 131 00:08:21,380 --> 00:08:22,420 Yeah. 132 00:08:37,060 --> 00:08:41,300 (INSECTS CHIRP) 133 00:08:41,300 --> 00:08:43,220 I keep hearing about a guy 134 00:08:43,220 --> 00:08:43,460 who's suspected of being behind I keep hearing about a guy 135 00:08:43,460 --> 00:08:46,500 who's suspected of being behind some of the large meth shipments 136 00:08:46,500 --> 00:08:46,740 who's suspected of being behind hitting our shores. 137 00:08:46,740 --> 00:08:48,020 hitting our shores. 138 00:08:49,900 --> 00:08:52,780 I've been trying to get his name for weeks. 139 00:08:52,780 --> 00:08:54,620 So far no luck. 140 00:08:56,060 --> 00:08:58,820 I've decided, if I really want to find him, 141 00:08:58,820 --> 00:09:01,060 I need to understand his world. 142 00:09:04,300 --> 00:09:07,540 To operate a meth syndicate, you need five things - 143 00:09:07,540 --> 00:09:07,780 To operate a meth syndicate, a manufacturer, a trafficker, 144 00:09:07,780 --> 00:09:10,940 a manufacturer, a trafficker, 145 00:09:10,940 --> 00:09:11,180 a door - someone who creates a hole a manufacturer, a trafficker, 146 00:09:11,180 --> 00:09:15,460 a door - someone who creates a hole at the Australian border, 147 00:09:15,460 --> 00:09:19,140 muscle - a bunch of violent people to keep everyone in line, 148 00:09:19,140 --> 00:09:19,380 muscle - a bunch of violent people and finally you need distributors 149 00:09:19,380 --> 00:09:21,380 and finally you need distributors 150 00:09:21,380 --> 00:09:23,900 who get the drugs to the streets. 151 00:09:28,220 --> 00:09:30,940 I'm on my way to meet with a syndicate 152 00:09:30,940 --> 00:09:32,900 who work with a Chinese triad. 153 00:09:33,860 --> 00:09:38,140 The whole meeting's cloaked in secrecy and light on details. 154 00:09:38,140 --> 00:09:39,620 At the last minute 155 00:09:39,620 --> 00:09:42,140 they give me an address. 156 00:09:42,140 --> 00:09:44,020 We've hit some unexpected traffic, 157 00:09:44,020 --> 00:09:47,620 and we could potentially be a few minutes late. 158 00:09:47,620 --> 00:09:49,340 I'm really... 159 00:09:49,340 --> 00:09:53,140 ..anxious that they might think something's gone wrong on our end 160 00:09:53,140 --> 00:09:53,380 ..anxious that they might think or that they couldn't trust us 161 00:09:53,380 --> 00:09:54,460 or that they couldn't trust us 162 00:09:54,460 --> 00:09:54,700 because we're even or that they couldn't trust us 163 00:09:54,700 --> 00:09:56,420 because we're even just a few minutes late. 164 00:09:56,420 --> 00:10:00,140 That's how high the level of paranoia is in situations like this. 165 00:10:03,500 --> 00:10:06,780 Two guys meet me at the door. 166 00:10:06,780 --> 00:10:08,500 They're on edge. 167 00:10:08,500 --> 00:10:10,340 They tell me to go to the laundry. 168 00:10:10,340 --> 00:10:13,460 There's a heap of meth and a heap of money. 169 00:10:15,900 --> 00:10:17,700 It's quite an almost... 170 00:10:18,660 --> 00:10:20,860 ..like a citrusy smell. 171 00:10:20,860 --> 00:10:22,220 It's really... 172 00:10:24,140 --> 00:10:26,340 Yeah, like lime or citrus. 173 00:10:27,180 --> 00:10:31,580 They say lately they've been getting undercut by Mexican cartels 174 00:10:31,580 --> 00:10:35,340 who are starting to dominate this multi-billion-dollar market. 175 00:10:35,340 --> 00:10:38,100 They tell us this is their morning's takings. 176 00:10:38,100 --> 00:10:38,340 They tell us So, the people I've spoken to 177 00:10:38,340 --> 00:10:40,140 So, the people I've spoken to 178 00:10:40,140 --> 00:10:46,340 who supply large commercial quantities of methamphetamine 179 00:10:46,340 --> 00:10:48,660 have said that the Chinese importers 180 00:10:48,660 --> 00:10:53,740 will buy it for roughly $1,000 to $3,000 181 00:10:53,740 --> 00:10:53,980 will buy it in Northern Thailand. 182 00:10:53,980 --> 00:10:56,780 in Northern Thailand. 183 00:10:56,780 --> 00:10:57,020 But by the time they get it across the border here, in Northern Thailand. 184 00:10:57,020 --> 00:11:01,020 But by the time they get it across the border here, 185 00:11:01,020 --> 00:11:05,860 they charge roughly $10,000 to $30,000 per kilo. 186 00:11:05,860 --> 00:11:06,100 And then the distributors roughly $10,000 to $30,000 per kilo. 187 00:11:06,100 --> 00:11:07,940 And then the distributors 188 00:11:07,940 --> 00:11:08,140 And then the distributors purchasing off the Chinese triads 189 00:11:08,140 --> 00:11:10,180 purchasing off the Chinese triads 190 00:11:10,180 --> 00:11:10,420 will charge roughly between purchasing off the Chinese triads 191 00:11:10,420 --> 00:11:15,300 will charge roughly between $60,000 and $70,000 for a kilo. 192 00:11:15,300 --> 00:11:15,540 will charge roughly between $60,000 and $70,000 for a kilo. The profits are massive. 193 00:11:15,540 --> 00:11:18,060 The profits are massive. 194 00:11:22,420 --> 00:11:24,220 It's taken me a while, 195 00:11:24,220 --> 00:11:25,820 but a former high-level distributor 196 00:11:25,820 --> 00:11:27,900 has finally agreed to talk. 197 00:11:27,900 --> 00:11:29,580 He was once near the top 198 00:11:29,580 --> 00:11:30,900 of the Australian meth game. 199 00:11:34,300 --> 00:11:36,860 It's hard to fully verify what people are saying. 200 00:11:37,820 --> 00:11:40,420 But their stories match a lot of what I've seen and heard 201 00:11:40,420 --> 00:11:40,660 But their stories match during our investigation. 202 00:11:40,660 --> 00:11:42,340 during our investigation. 203 00:11:43,340 --> 00:11:48,260 It's really rare for anyone of this calibre to speak candidly on camera. 204 00:11:50,540 --> 00:11:52,780 Are we rolling? CREW: We're rolling. 205 00:11:52,780 --> 00:11:54,420 Who are we rolling? Nah, I'm kid... 206 00:11:54,420 --> 00:11:54,660 Who are we rolling? (LAUGHS) 207 00:11:54,660 --> 00:11:59,020 (LAUGHS) 208 00:12:00,700 --> 00:12:03,580 He wants to be known as Jay. 209 00:12:03,580 --> 00:12:05,660 He's done time for trafficking 210 00:12:05,660 --> 00:12:08,140 and he started dealing when he was 14. 211 00:12:08,140 --> 00:12:12,340 I'm more worried about how I'm going to put food on the table and... 212 00:12:12,340 --> 00:12:14,820 Jay says he started selling weed. 213 00:12:14,820 --> 00:12:17,540 On a daily basis I was getting, like, at least 70, 80 phone calls. 214 00:12:17,540 --> 00:12:20,980 Like, I couldn't even sit down to have a proper meal, you know? 215 00:12:20,980 --> 00:12:22,580 The authorities say that... 216 00:12:22,580 --> 00:12:26,820 He tells me he moved up the chain selling to other dealers. 217 00:12:26,820 --> 00:12:30,020 Then a distributor offered him some meth. 218 00:12:30,020 --> 00:12:31,740 They asked me how long I was going to take 219 00:12:31,740 --> 00:12:35,020 to actually move the product. 220 00:12:35,020 --> 00:12:36,460 I told them, "I don't know," 221 00:12:36,460 --> 00:12:39,900 because, honestly, I didn't know how I was...what I was capable of. 222 00:12:39,900 --> 00:12:42,860 And, yeah, it took me two days, less than two days. 223 00:12:42,860 --> 00:12:46,940 Soon Jay says he was making 30 to 40 grand a week. 224 00:12:46,940 --> 00:12:47,180 Soon Jay says he was making Were you ever tempted to touch it? 225 00:12:47,180 --> 00:12:49,420 Were you ever tempted to touch it? 226 00:12:49,420 --> 00:12:50,580 No, not really 227 00:12:50,580 --> 00:12:52,180 because just seeing all the... 228 00:12:52,180 --> 00:12:54,300 ..everybody else having the downfall and everything else, 229 00:12:54,300 --> 00:12:54,540 ..everybody else having the downfall it's disgusting. 230 00:12:54,540 --> 00:12:55,900 it's disgusting. 231 00:12:55,900 --> 00:12:57,220 What makes it disgusting? 232 00:12:57,220 --> 00:12:59,100 The fact that people see that as a priority. 233 00:12:59,100 --> 00:13:01,100 I've had clienteles where, for example, 234 00:13:01,100 --> 00:13:02,980 they have the kids running around in nappies and everything, 235 00:13:02,980 --> 00:13:04,980 nappies hasn't been changed in the past two or three days. 236 00:13:04,980 --> 00:13:07,300 Instead of them using that financial... 237 00:13:07,300 --> 00:13:10,260 ..like, financial funds on their own kid, they're passing out, 238 00:13:10,260 --> 00:13:12,780 and it's just, like... Man, it's just...yeah, but... 239 00:13:12,780 --> 00:13:14,220 Didn't then that spin you out, though? 240 00:13:14,220 --> 00:13:16,420 That they were paying you... Yeah, it did... Yeah, it did, 241 00:13:16,420 --> 00:13:17,740 but at the end of day, if they don't grab it for me, 242 00:13:17,740 --> 00:13:19,580 they'll grab it from elsewhere, which... 243 00:13:19,580 --> 00:13:19,820 they'll grab it from elsewhere, They'll grab from elsewhere, 244 00:13:19,820 --> 00:13:21,100 They'll grab from elsewhere, 245 00:13:21,100 --> 00:13:22,300 someone else will probably give them 246 00:13:22,300 --> 00:13:25,060 a product that's even lower grade, like percentage, than mine, 247 00:13:25,060 --> 00:13:27,340 which doesn't...so, they're not even getting the money's worth. 248 00:13:27,340 --> 00:13:31,260 Things have changed since Jay was in the game. 249 00:13:31,260 --> 00:13:32,660 A kilo was a large amount of product, 250 00:13:32,660 --> 00:13:34,460 you know, whereas now we're talking about... 251 00:13:34,460 --> 00:13:36,220 ..we're talking about half a tonne, tonnes. 252 00:13:36,220 --> 00:13:37,420 Man... 253 00:13:37,420 --> 00:13:38,980 The triads. That's where the triads come in. 254 00:13:38,980 --> 00:13:39,220 The triads. With triads there's contracts, 255 00:13:39,220 --> 00:13:41,100 With triads there's contracts, 256 00:13:41,100 --> 00:13:46,380 for example, what you can...capable of doing and what you promise them, 257 00:13:46,380 --> 00:13:50,020 what you can able do and, yeah, keeping your word to it and whatnot. 258 00:13:50,020 --> 00:13:52,580 Otherwise they just cut you off. And if not, then... 259 00:13:52,580 --> 00:13:54,820 Everything comes with consequences and everything else. 260 00:13:54,820 --> 00:13:57,340 You know what you signed up for. They know what they signed up for. 261 00:13:57,340 --> 00:14:02,100 One of Jay's associates says the triads guarantee delivery. 262 00:14:02,100 --> 00:14:06,740 If a shipment is lost, they wear the cost and send another. 263 00:14:09,900 --> 00:14:11,220 For years 264 00:14:11,220 --> 00:14:17,220 several of those triads operated in a lucrative network called The Company. 265 00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:20,740 I've heard that the suspected drug baron I've been looking for 266 00:14:20,740 --> 00:14:23,740 has been working with what's left of that network. 267 00:14:23,740 --> 00:14:23,980 has been working At its height 268 00:14:23,980 --> 00:14:25,220 At its height 269 00:14:25,220 --> 00:14:30,020 The Company was thought to be earning as much as $17 billion a year, 270 00:14:30,020 --> 00:14:32,620 more than some Fortune 500 companies. 271 00:14:32,620 --> 00:14:35,460 Australia was a key market. 272 00:14:37,660 --> 00:14:42,140 The man police allege was head of The Company, Tse Chi Lop, 273 00:14:42,140 --> 00:14:44,660 was arrested and eventually brought to Australia 274 00:14:44,660 --> 00:14:44,900 was arrested to face trafficking charges in 2021. 275 00:14:44,900 --> 00:14:47,460 to face trafficking charges in 2021. 276 00:14:48,420 --> 00:14:50,460 This arrest would be 277 00:14:50,460 --> 00:14:53,620 one of the most high-profile arrests in the history of the AFP. 278 00:14:55,180 --> 00:14:58,340 He is awaiting committal in a Melbourne prison. 279 00:14:59,300 --> 00:15:02,660 IAN MCCARTNEY: Operation Kungur that started off in 2017 280 00:15:02,660 --> 00:15:06,900 was a priority focus on what we call The Company, 281 00:15:06,900 --> 00:15:08,220 a South-East Asian syndicate 282 00:15:08,220 --> 00:15:12,540 that was responsible for significant imports into Australia. 283 00:15:12,540 --> 00:15:12,780 that was responsible for significant And through the work of the AFP 284 00:15:12,780 --> 00:15:14,220 And through the work of the AFP 285 00:15:14,220 --> 00:15:14,460 working with over 17 agencies And through the work of the AFP 286 00:15:14,460 --> 00:15:17,660 working with over 17 agencies in a range of countries, 287 00:15:17,660 --> 00:15:20,300 from our perspective, we've greatly degraded 288 00:15:20,300 --> 00:15:20,540 from our perspective, the activities of that syndicate. 289 00:15:20,540 --> 00:15:22,780 the activities of that syndicate. 290 00:15:30,500 --> 00:15:33,900 I'm learning more about the meth business. 291 00:15:33,900 --> 00:15:34,180 For months I've been chasing a former enforcer. I'm learning more about the meth business. 292 00:15:34,180 --> 00:15:37,580 For months I've been chasing a former enforcer. 293 00:15:37,580 --> 00:15:39,420 He's finally agreed to meet. 294 00:15:40,780 --> 00:15:43,220 There's a real risk he won't turn up. 295 00:15:46,860 --> 00:15:48,620 (PHONE LINE RINGS) 296 00:15:49,820 --> 00:15:51,660 (ON SPEAKERPHONE) Hello? Johnny. 297 00:15:51,660 --> 00:15:53,500 Are you here? Yeah. I'm here. 298 00:15:55,780 --> 00:16:00,140 There's only one form of regulation within the drugs trade - 299 00:16:00,140 --> 00:16:00,380 There's only one form of regulation violence. 300 00:16:00,380 --> 00:16:02,060 violence. 301 00:16:03,620 --> 00:16:05,660 I'm loyal to the people I'm with 302 00:16:05,660 --> 00:16:09,460 and I'm aggressive and violent 303 00:16:09,460 --> 00:16:10,820 to protect them. 304 00:16:11,900 --> 00:16:14,340 Johnny served 16 years in prison 305 00:16:14,340 --> 00:16:18,140 for hacking a man to death with a samurai sword. 306 00:16:19,340 --> 00:16:21,700 In the moment when I need to do something, 307 00:16:21,700 --> 00:16:21,940 In the moment it's like there's a switch... 308 00:16:21,940 --> 00:16:23,780 it's like there's a switch... 309 00:16:24,740 --> 00:16:26,340 ..and just click and I'm going. 310 00:16:26,340 --> 00:16:30,620 This is the attitude you need to become an enforcer. 311 00:16:30,620 --> 00:16:32,500 I can't hold back. 312 00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:34,700 Even if you pull me back, 313 00:16:34,700 --> 00:16:36,580 I will go forward again. 314 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:36,820 If I seen him bleeding, I will go forward again. 315 00:16:36,820 --> 00:16:40,460 If I seen him bleeding, I want to see more bleeding. 316 00:16:41,940 --> 00:16:44,180 But that's...that's... You know that's not normal. 317 00:16:44,180 --> 00:16:45,540 That's not normal. 318 00:16:45,540 --> 00:16:46,460 Exactly. 319 00:16:47,420 --> 00:16:51,500 I want to know how someone becomes muscle for a triad. 320 00:16:51,500 --> 00:16:54,860 Johnny tells me his life flipped in his early teens. 321 00:16:54,860 --> 00:16:55,100 Johnny tells me We were a really loving family. 322 00:16:55,100 --> 00:16:56,980 We were a really loving family. 323 00:16:56,980 --> 00:16:58,900 I was a good...good kid at home. 324 00:16:58,900 --> 00:17:02,620 He says he started hanging out with a troubled kid, 325 00:17:02,620 --> 00:17:04,180 and within months 326 00:17:04,180 --> 00:17:08,220 Johnny and the kid were roaming the streets getting into fights. 327 00:17:08,220 --> 00:17:08,460 Johnny and the kid were roaming I named us White Rose. 328 00:17:08,460 --> 00:17:10,700 I named us White Rose. 329 00:17:10,700 --> 00:17:13,100 In Asian culture 330 00:17:13,100 --> 00:17:15,500 white rose means death. 331 00:17:15,500 --> 00:17:16,700 Another incident happened... 332 00:17:16,700 --> 00:17:20,300 Johnny says he got a reputation for extreme violence, 333 00:17:20,300 --> 00:17:21,700 and that led to prison, 334 00:17:21,700 --> 00:17:23,820 where he met a senior triad. 335 00:17:23,820 --> 00:17:26,580 If you could only use one word 336 00:17:26,580 --> 00:17:26,820 to describe the triads If you could only use one word 337 00:17:26,820 --> 00:17:30,140 to describe the triads that you've met, 338 00:17:30,140 --> 00:17:30,380 to describe the triads what would that word be? 339 00:17:30,380 --> 00:17:31,460 what would that word be? 340 00:17:31,460 --> 00:17:32,620 Cold. 341 00:17:33,580 --> 00:17:37,300 When you sit with him, you talked to him, you looked at him, 342 00:17:37,300 --> 00:17:40,940 you actually felt that... that coldness from him. 343 00:17:41,900 --> 00:17:43,180 Then the power. 344 00:17:43,180 --> 00:17:44,540 He's a gentleman... 345 00:17:44,540 --> 00:17:46,940 He tells me more about the triads. 346 00:17:46,940 --> 00:17:49,580 They very well-organised. 347 00:17:49,580 --> 00:17:53,900 To them, business is more important than violence. 348 00:17:54,860 --> 00:17:58,580 They only use violence only when they needed it. 349 00:17:58,580 --> 00:18:01,420 But it's someone else is doing it, not them. 350 00:18:02,380 --> 00:18:04,340 Which is smart, right? 351 00:18:04,340 --> 00:18:04,580 I've heard from other sources Which is smart, right? 352 00:18:04,580 --> 00:18:09,460 I've heard from other sources there's a hierarchy amongst triads. 353 00:18:09,460 --> 00:18:09,700 I've heard from other sources Melbourne triads report to Sydney, 354 00:18:09,700 --> 00:18:12,020 Melbourne triads report to Sydney, 355 00:18:12,020 --> 00:18:13,940 Sydney to Hong Kong, 356 00:18:13,940 --> 00:18:15,340 Hong Kong to Macau 357 00:18:15,340 --> 00:18:17,740 and Macau to mainland China. 358 00:18:17,740 --> 00:18:19,940 I wasn't trying to make a name for myself... 359 00:18:19,940 --> 00:18:20,180 I wasn't trying I asked Johnny to confirm, 360 00:18:20,180 --> 00:18:21,700 I asked Johnny to confirm, 361 00:18:21,700 --> 00:18:23,900 but he doesn't want to talk about it. 362 00:18:23,900 --> 00:18:25,860 I asked him about Tse Chi Lop, 363 00:18:25,860 --> 00:18:28,260 who's also known as Sam Gor. 364 00:18:28,260 --> 00:18:30,300 Police are making a big statement 365 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:33,860 about the recent arrest of one Chinese triad called Sam Gor. 366 00:18:33,860 --> 00:18:34,100 about the recent arrest OK. Yeah. 367 00:18:34,100 --> 00:18:35,060 OK. Yeah. 368 00:18:35,060 --> 00:18:35,300 And they're saying OK. Yeah. 369 00:18:35,300 --> 00:18:36,980 And they're saying that they've got the godfather 370 00:18:36,980 --> 00:18:37,220 And they're saying of the whole of the South-East. 371 00:18:37,220 --> 00:18:38,460 of the whole of the South-East. 372 00:18:38,460 --> 00:18:39,660 Yeah. 373 00:18:39,660 --> 00:18:41,940 What do you make of that? 374 00:18:41,940 --> 00:18:43,300 (LAUGHS) 375 00:18:43,300 --> 00:18:46,740 If they was the biggest person in the organisation 376 00:18:46,740 --> 00:18:46,980 If they was the biggest person and then now they get busted, 377 00:18:46,980 --> 00:18:48,300 and then now they get busted, 378 00:18:48,300 --> 00:18:48,540 how come they all organisations and then now they get busted, 379 00:18:48,540 --> 00:18:51,300 how come they all organisations still stand still? 380 00:18:51,300 --> 00:18:51,540 how come they all organisations Who's running them? 381 00:18:51,540 --> 00:18:52,860 Who's running them? 382 00:18:54,420 --> 00:18:57,540 People are consuming almost as much meth 383 00:18:57,540 --> 00:19:01,460 as when The Company was allegedly operating under Tse Chi Lop. 384 00:19:01,460 --> 00:19:01,700 as when The Company was allegedly And what I'm hearing 385 00:19:01,700 --> 00:19:03,140 And what I'm hearing 386 00:19:03,140 --> 00:19:06,220 is the rumoured drug baron I've been investigating 387 00:19:06,220 --> 00:19:08,260 is helping to keep the meth flowing. 388 00:19:09,860 --> 00:19:14,500 People are telling me if I want to find them and understand their trade, 389 00:19:14,500 --> 00:19:16,420 I need to go to South-East Asia. 390 00:19:28,220 --> 00:19:31,260 (BIRDS TWITTER) 391 00:19:38,140 --> 00:19:41,300 My first port of call is Bangkok, 392 00:19:41,300 --> 00:19:43,300 where I find Patrick Winn. 393 00:19:43,300 --> 00:19:44,980 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 394 00:19:44,980 --> 00:19:45,220 Your handwriting (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 395 00:19:45,220 --> 00:19:47,740 Your handwriting is nearly as horrible as mine. 396 00:19:47,740 --> 00:19:49,940 (LAUGHS) I'm a journalist, after all. You're a journalist. 397 00:19:49,940 --> 00:19:52,820 (LAUGHS) Yeah. Your credibility just shot up. 398 00:19:52,820 --> 00:19:53,060 (LAUGHS) Yeah. (BOTH LAUGH) 399 00:19:53,060 --> 00:19:54,140 (BOTH LAUGH) 400 00:19:54,140 --> 00:19:54,380 Patrick studied Asian drug markets (BOTH LAUGH) 401 00:19:54,380 --> 00:19:57,420 Patrick studied Asian drug markets for a decade. 402 00:19:57,420 --> 00:19:57,660 Patrick studied Asian drug markets It's coming to Australia... 403 00:19:57,660 --> 00:19:58,700 It's coming to Australia... 404 00:19:58,700 --> 00:20:01,220 He explains how the meth business works. 405 00:20:01,220 --> 00:20:01,500 It begins when an organised-crime syndicate He explains how the meth business works. 406 00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:03,540 It begins when an organised-crime syndicate 407 00:20:03,540 --> 00:20:06,460 is looking for a place to build a meth lab. 408 00:20:06,460 --> 00:20:06,700 is looking for a place to build a meth lab. That syndicate will go into Myanmar 409 00:20:06,700 --> 00:20:09,860 That syndicate will go into Myanmar 410 00:20:09,860 --> 00:20:11,540 and find an armed group. 411 00:20:11,540 --> 00:20:11,780 The armed group will say, "Yes, and find an armed group. 412 00:20:11,780 --> 00:20:14,580 The armed group will say, "Yes, you can build a meth lab here." 413 00:20:14,580 --> 00:20:16,460 They'll usually site it next to a stream 414 00:20:16,460 --> 00:20:18,580 'cause it takes a lot of water to make meth. 415 00:20:18,580 --> 00:20:24,900 And the armed group will take a tax of the meth production. 416 00:20:24,900 --> 00:20:26,700 That's pretty much all they do. 417 00:20:26,700 --> 00:20:28,820 They make sure that it's not raided by cops. 418 00:20:28,820 --> 00:20:32,340 They usually control their own areas like little countries, 419 00:20:32,340 --> 00:20:33,580 so, the cops can't come in anyway. 420 00:20:33,580 --> 00:20:36,780 (BIRDS TWITTER) 421 00:20:36,780 --> 00:20:38,260 Patrick tells me 422 00:20:38,260 --> 00:20:38,500 drug runners take the meth from Patrick tells me 423 00:20:38,500 --> 00:20:41,980 drug runners take the meth from the lab in Myanmar to the border. 424 00:20:42,940 --> 00:20:45,940 Syndicates move it from the border to a port. 425 00:20:47,340 --> 00:20:51,140 From there it's packed into legal goods like tea or speakers 426 00:20:51,140 --> 00:20:51,380 From there it's packed and smuggled into Australia. 427 00:20:51,380 --> 00:20:53,980 and smuggled into Australia. 428 00:20:53,980 --> 00:20:58,020 If there's demand on the Australian side for more crystal meth, 429 00:20:58,020 --> 00:20:59,300 if it's really moving, 430 00:20:59,300 --> 00:21:03,540 the order can go all the way back up to the meth labs in Myanmar, 431 00:21:03,540 --> 00:21:06,980 and they have the capacity to produce more. 432 00:21:06,980 --> 00:21:08,660 The flow is so heavy 433 00:21:08,660 --> 00:21:12,820 that even if cops do pick off this truck or that truck, 434 00:21:12,820 --> 00:21:13,060 that even if cops do pick off they're getting at best 10%. 435 00:21:13,060 --> 00:21:17,020 they're getting at best 10%. 436 00:21:17,020 --> 00:21:18,780 It's just unstoppable. 437 00:21:20,940 --> 00:21:24,460 The heartland of meth production in South-East Asia 438 00:21:24,460 --> 00:21:24,700 The heartland of meth production is the Golden Triangle. 439 00:21:24,700 --> 00:21:26,420 is the Golden Triangle. 440 00:21:27,380 --> 00:21:28,940 It's a mountainous region 441 00:21:28,940 --> 00:21:30,860 that covers the borderlands 442 00:21:30,860 --> 00:21:33,900 of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. 443 00:21:41,580 --> 00:21:44,940 It's rush hour in Mae Sai, Northern Thailand. 444 00:21:45,900 --> 00:21:48,700 Authorities are on high alert. 445 00:21:48,700 --> 00:21:51,540 They're looking for drugs, mainly meth, 446 00:21:51,540 --> 00:21:53,540 that might have slipped across the border. 447 00:21:54,620 --> 00:21:56,180 Border areas like this 448 00:21:56,180 --> 00:21:59,980 are where the vast majority of drugs enter Thailand. 449 00:21:59,980 --> 00:22:03,780 This is one of the front lines in the global war on drugs. 450 00:22:05,940 --> 00:22:07,780 The day before we arrived 451 00:22:07,780 --> 00:22:11,780 the Thai military shot and killed 15 meth smugglers 452 00:22:11,780 --> 00:22:13,700 trying to cross the nearby border. 453 00:22:21,060 --> 00:22:24,420 At a rural warehouse not far from the checkpoint 454 00:22:24,420 --> 00:22:26,980 a drug smuggler starts work. 455 00:22:32,380 --> 00:22:33,860 Panel by panel 456 00:22:33,860 --> 00:22:34,100 he shows us how he readies Panel by panel 457 00:22:34,100 --> 00:22:37,740 he shows us how he readies his scooter for an illicit cargo... 458 00:22:42,300 --> 00:22:46,340 ..tea bags usually crammed with kilos of crystal meth. 459 00:22:48,060 --> 00:22:49,940 Every time he goes out 460 00:22:49,940 --> 00:22:52,500 he risks jail or death. 461 00:22:53,460 --> 00:22:55,340 He's part of a vast network 462 00:22:55,340 --> 00:22:57,540 that stretches all the way to Australia, 463 00:22:57,540 --> 00:22:57,780 that stretches a dark highway of drugs 464 00:22:57,780 --> 00:23:00,380 a dark highway of drugs 465 00:23:00,380 --> 00:23:04,220 which has risen more than 500% in the past decade. 466 00:23:11,780 --> 00:23:15,860 People get shot, people get killed doing this job. 467 00:23:15,860 --> 00:23:16,100 People get shot, people get killed That could be you. 468 00:23:16,100 --> 00:23:17,420 That could be you. 469 00:23:36,900 --> 00:23:39,100 He's just one of many people 470 00:23:39,100 --> 00:23:40,860 who make a living on the edges 471 00:23:40,860 --> 00:23:44,980 of the Golden Triangle's multi-billion-dollar meth trade. 472 00:23:49,060 --> 00:23:50,740 The Golden Triangle's actually quite a big area, 473 00:23:50,740 --> 00:23:50,980 The Golden Triangle's but this is the centre of it. 474 00:23:50,980 --> 00:23:52,060 but this is the centre of it. 475 00:23:52,060 --> 00:23:52,260 So, we're in Thailand. but this is the centre of it. 476 00:23:52,260 --> 00:23:53,460 So, we're in Thailand. 477 00:23:53,460 --> 00:23:56,340 About 200 metres right over there is Myanmar. 478 00:23:56,340 --> 00:23:56,580 About 200 metres right over there is Myanmar. And right across the river is Laos. 479 00:23:56,580 --> 00:23:57,860 And right across the river is Laos. 480 00:23:57,860 --> 00:23:58,100 So, we're literally And right across the river is Laos. 481 00:23:58,100 --> 00:24:00,660 So, we're literally where it all happens. 482 00:24:00,660 --> 00:24:05,540 I'm standing with Jeremy Douglas at the apex of the Golden Triangle. 483 00:24:05,540 --> 00:24:08,620 He's led the UN's anti-drug operations here 484 00:24:08,620 --> 00:24:09,820 for more than a decade. 485 00:24:09,820 --> 00:24:15,020 How much is the meth economy in this region worth? 486 00:24:15,020 --> 00:24:18,340 The last time we measured it a couple of years back pre-COVID 487 00:24:18,340 --> 00:24:18,580 The last time we measured it was about $60 billion. 488 00:24:18,580 --> 00:24:20,620 was about $60 billion. 489 00:24:20,620 --> 00:24:20,860 But if you look was about $60 billion. 490 00:24:20,860 --> 00:24:22,500 But if you look at where concentrated production 491 00:24:22,500 --> 00:24:22,740 But if you look really takes place, 492 00:24:22,740 --> 00:24:23,660 really takes place, 493 00:24:23,660 --> 00:24:25,180 it's really here 494 00:24:25,180 --> 00:24:26,380 and it is in Latin America, 495 00:24:26,380 --> 00:24:28,380 primarily in Mexico, Central America. 496 00:24:28,380 --> 00:24:32,620 I asked Jeremy what role triads play here. 497 00:24:32,620 --> 00:24:36,860 They've really had deep hooks into the drug trade 498 00:24:36,860 --> 00:24:38,700 through this country and through the surrounding countries, 499 00:24:38,700 --> 00:24:41,220 through Hong Kong, through Yunnan, through Macau, 500 00:24:41,220 --> 00:24:42,780 for decades. 501 00:24:42,780 --> 00:24:43,020 So, really, their role in this today for decades. 502 00:24:43,020 --> 00:24:45,940 So, really, their role in this today is what it always was, 503 00:24:45,940 --> 00:24:46,180 So, really, their role in this today which is to, essentially, 504 00:24:46,180 --> 00:24:48,100 which is to, essentially, 505 00:24:48,100 --> 00:24:51,420 connect the products of these places to the markets. 506 00:24:53,060 --> 00:24:57,540 He says traffickers first came here for heroin in the 1970s 507 00:24:57,540 --> 00:25:00,420 and then introduced meth in the mid-'90s. 508 00:25:00,420 --> 00:25:04,500 The arrival of Tse Chi Lop allegedly changed the game again. 509 00:25:05,460 --> 00:25:06,940 He did something unique. 510 00:25:06,940 --> 00:25:08,420 For the first time ever 511 00:25:08,420 --> 00:25:08,660 he took crystal meth, changed For the first time ever 512 00:25:08,660 --> 00:25:10,940 he took crystal meth, changed the business model and mentality 513 00:25:10,940 --> 00:25:15,500 around how do you procure and distribute meth to the streets? 514 00:25:15,500 --> 00:25:19,540 And basically did that by connecting this place to Australia. 515 00:25:19,540 --> 00:25:20,820 It had never been done before. 516 00:25:23,700 --> 00:25:26,780 It's further up the Mekong, in Myanmar, 517 00:25:26,780 --> 00:25:27,020 It's further up the Mekong, where massive super labs 518 00:25:27,020 --> 00:25:28,460 where massive super labs 519 00:25:28,460 --> 00:25:28,700 have been producing large amounts where massive super labs 520 00:25:28,700 --> 00:25:32,740 have been producing large amounts of meth bound for Australia. 521 00:25:34,940 --> 00:25:38,540 I'm talking to lots of people here about the meth trade. 522 00:25:39,500 --> 00:25:40,900 At a local cafe 523 00:25:40,900 --> 00:25:42,380 I meet a Thai general 524 00:25:42,380 --> 00:25:45,900 who casually drops that a key player in the global meth trade 525 00:25:45,900 --> 00:25:47,140 is an Australian man. 526 00:25:47,140 --> 00:25:49,660 He won't tell me his name. 527 00:25:49,660 --> 00:25:52,980 I immediately think of the alleged drug baron. 528 00:26:03,700 --> 00:26:05,940 We've actually managed to find someone 529 00:26:05,940 --> 00:26:09,060 who currently works in a crystal-meth super lab. 530 00:26:09,060 --> 00:26:09,300 who currently works It's incredibly rare access, 531 00:26:09,300 --> 00:26:11,540 It's incredibly rare access, 532 00:26:11,540 --> 00:26:11,780 and he's speaking to us It's incredibly rare access, 533 00:26:11,780 --> 00:26:14,780 and he's speaking to us at great danger to himself. 534 00:26:14,780 --> 00:26:17,780 We're on our way to meet with him right now. 535 00:26:24,860 --> 00:26:29,860 I've been brought to a house on the outskirts of the border town Mae Sai. 536 00:26:34,980 --> 00:26:36,980 Hello. 537 00:26:36,980 --> 00:26:37,220 Mr A. Hello. 538 00:26:37,220 --> 00:26:38,940 Mr A. Yes. 539 00:26:38,940 --> 00:26:40,940 Nice to meet you. Thanks for having us. 540 00:26:40,940 --> 00:26:41,180 Nice to meet you. Can we come in? 541 00:26:41,180 --> 00:26:42,540 Can we come in? 542 00:26:48,900 --> 00:26:51,580 What exactly do you do for work? 543 00:27:07,180 --> 00:27:09,140 How did you get into this kind of work? 544 00:27:12,300 --> 00:27:18,140 Mr A used to play the popular Thai sport sepak takraw at a high level, 545 00:27:18,140 --> 00:27:18,380 Mr A used to play the popular Thai but got injured. 546 00:27:18,380 --> 00:27:19,980 but got injured. 547 00:27:24,260 --> 00:27:27,900 He says he started using and selling meth. 548 00:27:27,900 --> 00:27:31,060 He was taken in by a former team-mate's family, 549 00:27:31,060 --> 00:27:31,300 He was taken in who put him to work in a meth lab. 550 00:27:31,300 --> 00:27:33,180 who put him to work in a meth lab. 551 00:27:34,460 --> 00:27:37,140 How much drugs do they typically make? 552 00:27:44,420 --> 00:27:46,020 Is that every day? 553 00:27:49,020 --> 00:27:52,180 I ask him who owns the lab? 554 00:27:55,460 --> 00:27:58,340 Are they Chinese syndicates? 555 00:28:03,220 --> 00:28:05,740 (COMMANDER YELLS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 556 00:28:05,740 --> 00:28:07,660 (SOLDIERS YELL IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 557 00:28:07,660 --> 00:28:10,620 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC PLAYS) 558 00:28:10,620 --> 00:28:13,220 The United Wa State Army 559 00:28:13,220 --> 00:28:13,460 are an ethnic militia that profits The United Wa State Army 560 00:28:13,460 --> 00:28:16,700 are an ethnic militia that profits enormously from the meth trade. 561 00:28:16,700 --> 00:28:16,940 are an ethnic militia that profits (SOLDIERS YELL IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 562 00:28:16,940 --> 00:28:19,340 (SOLDIERS YELL IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 563 00:28:21,100 --> 00:28:25,380 The Wa are a people indigenous to Myanmar and China. 564 00:28:25,380 --> 00:28:29,660 A lot of the super labs are on United Wa State Army territory 565 00:28:29,660 --> 00:28:31,300 in Myanmar's Shan State. 566 00:28:31,300 --> 00:28:32,780 (FIREWORKS EXPLODE) 567 00:28:33,740 --> 00:28:35,420 They're backed by Beijing, 568 00:28:35,420 --> 00:28:38,860 which turns a blind eye to Chinese organised crime 569 00:28:38,860 --> 00:28:41,100 plying their trade on Wa land. 570 00:28:42,100 --> 00:28:45,940 (MOTORCYCLE ENGINE BUZZES) 571 00:28:45,940 --> 00:28:50,460 I've just found out a smaller Wa militia might meet with me. 572 00:28:53,460 --> 00:28:55,660 They're called the Wa National Army. 573 00:28:57,420 --> 00:29:00,980 After several hours I'm near the Myanmar border. 574 00:29:01,980 --> 00:29:05,060 We're in, um...Ban Rak Thai 575 00:29:05,060 --> 00:29:10,980 waiting to meet with someone from the Wa National Army 576 00:29:10,980 --> 00:29:16,060 who will hopefully begin to escort us across the border into Myanmar. 577 00:29:16,060 --> 00:29:19,740 I don't have a lot of faith that we will get across the border tonight 578 00:29:19,740 --> 00:29:22,780 just because we're losing light rapidly. 579 00:29:22,780 --> 00:29:25,020 Our fixer is on the phone 580 00:29:25,020 --> 00:29:28,420 pleading with whoever's on the other end of the line to get us across. 581 00:29:28,420 --> 00:29:28,660 pleading with whoever's on the other Um... Hopefully we will. 582 00:29:28,660 --> 00:29:30,900 Um... Hopefully we will. 583 00:29:31,860 --> 00:29:33,740 I'm not identifying our fixer 584 00:29:33,740 --> 00:29:38,260 because she works on both sides of the border with some serious people. 585 00:29:38,260 --> 00:29:40,620 After 15 minutes of wrangling 586 00:29:40,620 --> 00:29:42,260 she has news. 587 00:29:43,220 --> 00:29:45,260 What do you think our chances are? 588 00:29:45,260 --> 00:29:45,500 We can cross, but... What do you think our chances are? 589 00:29:45,500 --> 00:29:47,020 We can cross, but... Tonight? 590 00:29:47,020 --> 00:29:47,260 We can cross, but... We cannot cross tonight. 591 00:29:47,260 --> 00:29:48,860 We cannot cross tonight. 592 00:29:48,860 --> 00:29:50,620 We cannot cross tonight? CREW: Yeah. 593 00:29:50,620 --> 00:29:52,540 We got to talk, like... OK. 594 00:29:52,540 --> 00:29:55,060 ..to see if we can cross tomorrow 6 o'clock. 595 00:29:55,060 --> 00:29:58,180 Yeah. So, even tomorrow is up in the air still? 596 00:30:00,620 --> 00:30:02,900 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 597 00:30:02,900 --> 00:30:07,420 The Wa militia is saying they're not sure they can guarantee our security. 598 00:30:07,420 --> 00:30:07,660 The Wa militia is saying they're not Night-night! Goodnight! 599 00:30:07,660 --> 00:30:09,460 Night-night! Goodnight! 600 00:30:09,460 --> 00:30:11,980 Then they have a change of heart. 601 00:30:12,940 --> 00:30:17,340 We've just been told that we can cross at 7:00AM tomorrow morning. 602 00:30:17,340 --> 00:30:17,580 We've just been told that we can They were really nervous 603 00:30:17,580 --> 00:30:18,820 They were really nervous 604 00:30:18,820 --> 00:30:19,060 about the tense political situation They were really nervous 605 00:30:19,060 --> 00:30:22,580 about the tense political situation at the moment. 606 00:30:22,580 --> 00:30:22,820 about the tense political situation It's a very quiet town now. 607 00:30:22,820 --> 00:30:25,060 It's a very quiet town now. 608 00:30:25,060 --> 00:30:26,500 It's around 10 o'clock, 609 00:30:26,500 --> 00:30:26,740 and I've seen two police cars It's around 10 o'clock, 610 00:30:26,740 --> 00:30:31,460 and I've seen two police cars kind of patrolling the area. 611 00:30:31,460 --> 00:30:36,020 So, we're hopeful that everything's calm tomorrow morning 612 00:30:36,020 --> 00:30:36,260 So, we're hopeful that and we can actually get across. 613 00:30:36,260 --> 00:30:38,260 and we can actually get across. 614 00:30:38,260 --> 00:30:41,100 (INSECTS CHIRP) 615 00:30:45,940 --> 00:30:47,700 (BIRDS TWITTER) 616 00:30:50,460 --> 00:30:53,340 I set out at dawn with an escort. 617 00:30:56,300 --> 00:31:00,140 We stop a few hundred metres from a Thai military outpost. 618 00:31:02,300 --> 00:31:05,380 If they see me, there could be trouble. 619 00:31:07,300 --> 00:31:10,020 We're about to cross the border into Myanmar. 620 00:31:10,020 --> 00:31:14,980 It's been extremely difficult trying to get access into the country 621 00:31:14,980 --> 00:31:20,020 because a recent wave of violence has inflamed the civil war there. 622 00:31:20,020 --> 00:31:20,260 because a recent wave of violence This volatile region 623 00:31:20,260 --> 00:31:22,620 This volatile region 624 00:31:22,620 --> 00:31:22,860 has different ethnic groups This volatile region 625 00:31:22,860 --> 00:31:25,900 has different ethnic groups fighting for territory, 626 00:31:25,900 --> 00:31:30,860 and it's also where Australia's meth is produced. 627 00:31:30,860 --> 00:31:31,100 and it's also They tell me this is the first time 628 00:31:31,100 --> 00:31:33,380 They tell me this is the first time 629 00:31:33,380 --> 00:31:33,620 international media They tell me this is the first time 630 00:31:33,620 --> 00:31:36,220 international media has visited this base. 631 00:31:43,860 --> 00:31:45,340 Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you too. 632 00:31:45,340 --> 00:31:47,140 Mahmood Fazal from the ABC. OK. 633 00:31:47,140 --> 00:31:51,820 This is Colonel Lu Mong, local commander of the Wa National Army. 634 00:31:51,820 --> 00:31:52,060 This is Colonel Lu Mong, local How close is the fighting? 635 00:31:52,060 --> 00:31:53,620 How close is the fighting? 636 00:31:53,620 --> 00:31:56,300 The fighting, uh...over there... 637 00:32:10,220 --> 00:32:11,900 What can you hear? 638 00:32:17,140 --> 00:32:21,580 Lu Mong has about 200 fighters living here. 639 00:32:21,580 --> 00:32:27,700 I want to know how close I am to the source of meth production in Myanmar. 640 00:32:28,660 --> 00:32:31,100 Does the Wa National Army 641 00:32:31,100 --> 00:32:34,820 receive funding and support from the United Wa State Army? 642 00:32:49,780 --> 00:32:54,060 Some of the experts that we've spoken to about this region 643 00:32:54,060 --> 00:32:57,980 say that wherever there are guns and militias 644 00:32:57,980 --> 00:32:58,220 say that wherever there are guns there's going to be drug production. 645 00:32:58,220 --> 00:32:59,940 there's going to be drug production. 646 00:32:59,940 --> 00:33:01,660 What do you make of that? 647 00:33:17,460 --> 00:33:21,980 In the past, the Thai authorities have arrested former members 648 00:33:21,980 --> 00:33:25,620 for drugs manufacturing and drugs trafficking. 649 00:33:25,620 --> 00:33:25,860 for drugs manufacturing What do you say to that allegation? 650 00:33:25,860 --> 00:33:27,460 What do you say to that allegation? 651 00:33:46,900 --> 00:33:51,660 Lu Mong's militia may or may not be making or trafficking the meth, 652 00:33:51,660 --> 00:33:51,900 Lu Mong's militia may or may not but since the 1950s 653 00:33:51,900 --> 00:33:53,780 but since the 1950s 654 00:33:53,780 --> 00:33:54,020 Shan State militias have been but since the 1950s 655 00:33:54,020 --> 00:33:58,020 Shan State militias have been benefiting from the drugs trade. 656 00:33:58,020 --> 00:34:02,380 Before meth, this area was known as an opium-growing region. 657 00:34:02,380 --> 00:34:02,620 Before meth, this area was known (LAUGHS) 658 00:34:02,620 --> 00:34:04,260 (LAUGHS) 659 00:34:04,260 --> 00:34:09,620 For decades it was controlled by the notorious narco warlord Khun Sa. 660 00:34:09,620 --> 00:34:13,060 He's been romanticised in popular movies. 661 00:34:13,060 --> 00:34:13,300 He's been romanticised But quitting while you're ahead... 662 00:34:13,300 --> 00:34:15,540 But quitting while you're ahead... 663 00:34:16,540 --> 00:34:18,020 ..is not the same as quitting. 664 00:34:18,020 --> 00:34:21,700 (ROOSTER CROWS) 665 00:34:21,700 --> 00:34:27,460 The former US Attorney-General called him the 'Prince of Death'. 666 00:34:27,460 --> 00:34:27,700 The individual primarily responsible The former US Attorney-General called him the 'Prince of Death'. 667 00:34:27,700 --> 00:34:29,980 The individual primarily responsible 668 00:34:29,980 --> 00:34:33,100 for this worldwide devastation of drug addiction 669 00:34:33,100 --> 00:34:33,340 for this worldwide devastation of drug addiction is Khun Sa. 670 00:34:33,340 --> 00:34:34,180 is Khun Sa. 671 00:34:35,620 --> 00:34:37,100 Hello, Khuensai. 672 00:34:37,100 --> 00:34:38,340 Hello. 673 00:34:38,340 --> 00:34:41,420 Pleased to meet you. Welcome to our place. 674 00:34:41,420 --> 00:34:46,180 Khuensai Jaiyen was Khun Sa's PR person. 675 00:34:46,180 --> 00:34:50,340 Today we catch up with him at the office of a dissident newspaper 676 00:34:50,340 --> 00:34:50,580 Today we catch up with him at he founded in Chiang Mai. 677 00:34:50,580 --> 00:34:52,100 he founded in Chiang Mai. 678 00:34:52,100 --> 00:34:52,340 And can you tell us a bit about he founded in Chiang Mai. 679 00:34:52,340 --> 00:34:55,660 And can you tell us a bit about this amazing jacket you've got? 680 00:34:55,660 --> 00:35:02,260 Well, when the village headman has something to tell the villagers, 681 00:35:02,260 --> 00:35:06,540 you will see a Shan beating a hollow log. 682 00:35:06,540 --> 00:35:07,940 And that's your role now? 683 00:35:07,940 --> 00:35:08,180 Your role now is really to hit the And that's your role now? 684 00:35:08,180 --> 00:35:10,940 Your role now is really to hit the log and have people listen, like us. 685 00:35:10,940 --> 00:35:11,180 Your role now is really to hit the Yeah. 686 00:35:11,180 --> 00:35:12,540 Yeah. 687 00:35:12,540 --> 00:35:14,340 Most of the Shans... 688 00:35:14,340 --> 00:35:16,340 He says today's meth trade 689 00:35:16,340 --> 00:35:20,420 runs the same way as the opium trade did in Khun Sa's time. 690 00:35:20,420 --> 00:35:23,900 To fight against the Burmese government, 691 00:35:23,900 --> 00:35:28,980 we didn't have any foreign government supporting us, 692 00:35:28,980 --> 00:35:33,740 and the only source of income for us was opium, 693 00:35:33,740 --> 00:35:33,980 and the only source of income for us which is already there. 694 00:35:33,980 --> 00:35:37,540 which is already there. 695 00:35:37,540 --> 00:35:42,540 And in the old days, it wasn't... 696 00:35:42,540 --> 00:35:43,900 ..uh...illegal. 697 00:35:43,900 --> 00:35:47,220 (BIRDS TWITTER) 698 00:35:50,060 --> 00:35:53,580 Khuensai says the real winners weren't the Shan. 699 00:35:53,580 --> 00:35:57,780 They were the Chinese and Laotian generals who controlled the trade. 700 00:35:57,780 --> 00:35:58,020 They were the Chinese and Laotian (WATER SPLASHES) 701 00:35:58,020 --> 00:36:00,780 (WATER SPLASHES) 702 00:36:00,780 --> 00:36:02,780 Journalist Patrick Winn says 703 00:36:02,780 --> 00:36:05,700 the syndicates running the super labs in the Golden Triangle 704 00:36:05,700 --> 00:36:05,940 the syndicates running the super labs are usually Chinese. 705 00:36:05,940 --> 00:36:07,420 are usually Chinese. 706 00:36:08,380 --> 00:36:10,620 PATRICK WINN: They might be triad-affiliated, 707 00:36:10,620 --> 00:36:12,420 they might be full-blown triads, 708 00:36:12,420 --> 00:36:15,140 but they don't have to be. 709 00:36:15,140 --> 00:36:15,380 These people are interested in business, but they don't have to be. 710 00:36:15,380 --> 00:36:18,460 These people are interested in business, 711 00:36:18,460 --> 00:36:18,700 These people and their sons and daughters 712 00:36:18,700 --> 00:36:20,940 and their sons and daughters 713 00:36:20,940 --> 00:36:22,460 go to nice private schools 714 00:36:22,460 --> 00:36:24,780 and they live in normal neighbourhoods 715 00:36:24,780 --> 00:36:28,300 and they're just really good at moving things from A to B. 716 00:36:28,300 --> 00:36:28,540 and they're just really good It really comes down to that. 717 00:36:28,540 --> 00:36:29,860 It really comes down to that. 718 00:36:29,860 --> 00:36:34,860 What exactly does the meth economy in Australia 719 00:36:34,860 --> 00:36:37,100 fuel in this part of the world, 720 00:36:37,100 --> 00:36:39,580 in Myanmar specifically? 721 00:36:39,580 --> 00:36:44,300 So, when someone goes and buys a bag of crystal meth in Australia, 722 00:36:44,300 --> 00:36:44,540 So, when someone goes and buys um... (SCOFFS) 723 00:36:44,540 --> 00:36:46,220 um... (SCOFFS) 724 00:36:46,220 --> 00:36:47,580 ..they're fuelling a long chain 725 00:36:47,580 --> 00:36:50,140 that goes all the way back into the Golden Triangle, 726 00:36:50,140 --> 00:36:50,380 that goes all the way back into the mountains of Myanmar. 727 00:36:50,380 --> 00:36:51,980 into the mountains of Myanmar. 728 00:36:51,980 --> 00:36:52,220 You have made a Chinese organised into the mountains of Myanmar. 729 00:36:52,220 --> 00:36:56,940 You have made a Chinese organised crime syndicate a little bit richer. 730 00:36:56,940 --> 00:36:57,180 You have made a Chinese organised You've probably partially funded 731 00:36:57,180 --> 00:36:58,980 You've probably partially funded 732 00:36:58,980 --> 00:37:03,540 the purchase of everything from weapons, medicine, 733 00:37:03,540 --> 00:37:06,420 um...you know, asphalt to pave roads 734 00:37:06,420 --> 00:37:09,060 in an impoverished part of Myanmar. 735 00:37:09,060 --> 00:37:12,660 I mean, it actually helps prop up Myanmar's junta as well. 736 00:37:17,300 --> 00:37:21,340 After months of digging, phone calls and late-night meetings 737 00:37:21,340 --> 00:37:25,180 I've got the name of the suspected drug baron. 738 00:37:25,180 --> 00:37:30,220 I discover he may be living in Vietnam or Cambodia. 739 00:37:30,220 --> 00:37:33,380 And I learn police are investigating him too. 740 00:37:34,340 --> 00:37:36,060 With a name, 741 00:37:36,060 --> 00:37:39,060 our team gets this Facebook video. 742 00:37:39,060 --> 00:37:41,860 His tattoos help identify him. 743 00:37:41,860 --> 00:37:43,540 They're exactly what you'd expect 744 00:37:43,540 --> 00:37:46,820 of a senior figure in the Asian organised-crime world. 745 00:37:47,780 --> 00:37:51,660 His name is Daniel Rodney Badger. 746 00:37:51,660 --> 00:37:51,860 SONG: # My whole world changed His name is Daniel Rodney Badger. 747 00:37:51,860 --> 00:37:54,820 SONG: # My whole world changed 748 00:37:54,820 --> 00:37:55,020 SONG: # My whole world changed # From the moment I met you 749 00:37:55,020 --> 00:37:58,140 # From the moment I met you 750 00:37:58,140 --> 00:37:59,700 # And it would never... # 751 00:37:59,700 --> 00:38:03,180 This is a video of his lavish wedding in Vietnam. 752 00:38:03,180 --> 00:38:07,740 # Felt like I knew that I always loved you... # 753 00:38:07,740 --> 00:38:12,700 Badger is on the Australian Federal Police's high-value target list. 754 00:38:15,500 --> 00:38:20,740 Is it fair to say that you'd have to be one of the major drug importers 755 00:38:20,740 --> 00:38:23,860 to be classified under that high-value target list? 756 00:38:23,860 --> 00:38:25,780 There's a range of factors to consider, 757 00:38:25,780 --> 00:38:28,620 but that would be one of the key factors, yes. 758 00:38:28,620 --> 00:38:31,660 We're sitting in AFP headquarters. 759 00:38:31,660 --> 00:38:35,500 There's a room, an ops room, in this building, a windowless room, 760 00:38:35,500 --> 00:38:40,460 and we have pictures of all of the high-value targets on the wall. 761 00:38:40,460 --> 00:38:43,380 And we're just working through them one by one and ticking them off. 762 00:38:43,380 --> 00:38:46,420 It's a priority focus in terms of taking them out 763 00:38:46,420 --> 00:38:49,220 and removing their influence on the drug trade. 764 00:38:49,220 --> 00:38:53,380 Daniel Rodney Badger is of significant interest to the AFP. 765 00:38:58,620 --> 00:39:03,580 In 2016 Badger listed this public housing residence in Western Sydney 766 00:39:03,580 --> 00:39:03,820 In 2016 Badger listed this public as his address. 767 00:39:03,820 --> 00:39:05,500 as his address. 768 00:39:05,500 --> 00:39:06,980 Just a year later 769 00:39:06,980 --> 00:39:07,180 he became a major shareholder Just a year later 770 00:39:07,180 --> 00:39:09,060 he became a major shareholder 771 00:39:09,060 --> 00:39:14,100 in a multi-million-dollar Vietnamese chemical and fertiliser company. 772 00:39:15,060 --> 00:39:17,580 The company has bonded warehouses 773 00:39:17,580 --> 00:39:21,420 and they say they export fertilisers to Australia. 774 00:39:21,420 --> 00:39:21,660 and they say they export fertilisers Badger sold his holdings in 2018. 775 00:39:21,660 --> 00:39:24,180 Badger sold his holdings in 2018. 776 00:39:26,700 --> 00:39:31,380 In 2020 he opened a car wholesale business in Ho Chi Minh City. 777 00:39:32,820 --> 00:39:35,060 I'm not going to go into individual cases, 778 00:39:35,060 --> 00:39:39,540 but what I can say in relation to these people, 779 00:39:39,540 --> 00:39:39,780 but what I can say these high-value targets offshore, 780 00:39:39,780 --> 00:39:42,180 these high-value targets offshore, 781 00:39:42,180 --> 00:39:46,380 we know where these people are, we know what countries they're in, 782 00:39:46,380 --> 00:39:47,900 we know where they live, 783 00:39:47,900 --> 00:39:49,780 and we are coming after them. 784 00:39:53,540 --> 00:39:55,060 About two years ago 785 00:39:55,060 --> 00:39:58,940 it's believed Badger obtained Cambodian citizenship. 786 00:39:59,980 --> 00:40:02,940 He also got a new Khmer name - 787 00:40:02,940 --> 00:40:05,820 Sovannarith Sen. 788 00:40:05,820 --> 00:40:07,860 We tried to contact him. 789 00:40:09,020 --> 00:40:12,180 I've got two phone numbers for Daniel Rodney Badger 790 00:40:12,180 --> 00:40:13,980 and, uh... I'm going to give him a ring 791 00:40:13,980 --> 00:40:16,140 and put some of these allegations to him. 792 00:40:20,420 --> 00:40:24,660 (PHONE LINE RINGS) 793 00:40:25,820 --> 00:40:27,700 RECORDING: The subscriber you have called 794 00:40:27,700 --> 00:40:29,940 is not available at the moment. 795 00:40:31,780 --> 00:40:35,300 (PHONE LINE RINGS) 796 00:40:35,300 --> 00:40:35,540 RECORDING: Sorry, (PHONE LINE RINGS) 797 00:40:35,540 --> 00:40:38,100 RECORDING: Sorry, but your call cannot be completed. 798 00:40:38,100 --> 00:40:41,380 We sent him a list of questions, but didn't hear back. 799 00:40:45,060 --> 00:40:47,100 We asked the Cambodian government 800 00:40:47,100 --> 00:40:47,340 if they're aware of Badger's We asked the Cambodian government 801 00:40:47,340 --> 00:40:51,260 if they're aware of Badger's alleged activities in the meth trade 802 00:40:51,260 --> 00:40:56,620 and if, given these revelations, his citizenship will be revoked. 803 00:41:00,140 --> 00:41:02,540 They didn't reply to our questions. 804 00:41:07,740 --> 00:41:13,060 Why can't the AFP stop the flow of meth on the streets in Australia? 805 00:41:13,060 --> 00:41:13,820 We are having an impact. 806 00:41:13,820 --> 00:41:16,860 We're having an impact both domestically and internationally. 807 00:41:16,860 --> 00:41:17,100 We're having an impact both But, unfortunately, 808 00:41:17,100 --> 00:41:18,500 But, unfortunately, 809 00:41:18,500 --> 00:41:18,740 Australia still But, unfortunately, 810 00:41:18,740 --> 00:41:21,940 Australia still has an insatiable demand for drugs. 811 00:41:21,940 --> 00:41:23,700 International traffickers have told us 812 00:41:23,700 --> 00:41:26,780 that the AFP are so obsessed with seizures 813 00:41:26,780 --> 00:41:29,060 they've been exploiting it as a weakness 814 00:41:29,060 --> 00:41:32,020 by diverting your attention with dummy loads 815 00:41:32,020 --> 00:41:32,260 by diverting your attention while they import tonnes elsewhere. 816 00:41:32,260 --> 00:41:34,540 while they import tonnes elsewhere. 817 00:41:34,540 --> 00:41:36,380 Seizures of drugs is important, 818 00:41:36,380 --> 00:41:36,620 preventing drugs Seizures of drugs is important, 819 00:41:36,620 --> 00:41:40,180 preventing drugs hitting the streets of Australia, 820 00:41:40,180 --> 00:41:40,420 preventing drugs but our priority focus 821 00:41:40,420 --> 00:41:41,700 but our priority focus 822 00:41:41,700 --> 00:41:44,940 is on the people that are behind these drug seizures. 823 00:41:44,940 --> 00:41:47,060 And that's what we've tried to publicise 824 00:41:47,060 --> 00:41:50,620 in terms of the important work that we're doing in this space. 825 00:41:50,620 --> 00:41:55,180 But, again, I think it's fair to say we've never been more challenged. 826 00:41:55,180 --> 00:41:58,300 Organised crime has become more globalised. 827 00:41:58,300 --> 00:41:59,860 It's become more sophisticated. 828 00:41:59,860 --> 00:42:02,260 It's become more connected. 829 00:42:02,260 --> 00:42:05,060 It's relentless. It's 24/7. 830 00:42:09,260 --> 00:42:10,820 Governments in the West 831 00:42:10,820 --> 00:42:14,100 have been fighting the flood of drugs from the Golden Triangle 832 00:42:14,100 --> 00:42:14,340 have been fighting the flood of drugs since the middle of the 20th century. 833 00:42:14,340 --> 00:42:16,820 since the middle of the 20th century. 834 00:42:16,820 --> 00:42:18,060 For Australia, 835 00:42:18,060 --> 00:42:22,260 the front line has now shifted to meth coming in from North America. 836 00:42:23,300 --> 00:42:25,820 It's clear that taking out major players 837 00:42:25,820 --> 00:42:28,540 doesn't necessarily stop the flow. 838 00:42:28,540 --> 00:42:31,100 Other markets will meet it. 839 00:42:31,100 --> 00:42:34,380 What more could Australian authorities be doing? 840 00:42:34,380 --> 00:42:35,860 This is no longer a policing issue 841 00:42:35,860 --> 00:42:38,740 when it gets to this level of production and trafficking. 842 00:42:38,740 --> 00:42:38,980 when it gets to this level And I think it's one of those things 843 00:42:38,980 --> 00:42:39,900 And I think it's one of those things 844 00:42:39,900 --> 00:42:41,700 that needs to have a public discussion. 845 00:42:41,700 --> 00:42:44,140 It requires also a response that's political in nature. 846 00:42:44,140 --> 00:42:47,740 It can't simply be in the back rooms and left to police alone. 847 00:42:48,940 --> 00:42:52,220 Law enforcement is one part of the solution. 848 00:42:52,220 --> 00:42:55,220 But, again, the narrative is incredibly important, 849 00:42:55,220 --> 00:42:57,980 particularly in relation to harm reduction. 850 00:42:57,980 --> 00:43:02,540 It's having such a disastrous impact on our community. 851 00:43:02,540 --> 00:43:06,540 We need to continue to tell people about that message. 852 00:43:17,020 --> 00:43:19,060 (THEME MUSIC PLAYS)