In this podcast, Fiona Hamilton, David Collins, and Stephen Drill delve into the global cocaine industry, revealing its corporate-like structure and the consequences of its operations. They discuss the chilling story of Ellie Edwards' tragic death, the trial of her murderer Connor Chapman, and the impact of drug trafficking on families. A compelling exploration of a dark underworld.
The podcast investigates the global cocaine trade, revealing its ties to Colombian cartels and money laundering schemes.
The tragic murder of Ellie Edwards highlights the devastating impact of gang violence fueled by the cocaine trade.
Deep dives
Global Cocaine Trade Investigation by Fiona Hamilton, David Collins, and Stephen Drill
Fiona Hamilton, David Collins, and Stephen Drill embarked on a global investigation into the cocaine trade, reporting from six different countries in an eight-part podcast series. The investigation revealed a network tied to Colombian cartels, drug smuggling in Mexico, a torture chamber in the Netherlands, and money laundering schemes. Traveling over 50,000 kilometers, the journalists uncovered the shadowy parallels between legitimate businesses and criminal enterprises involved in the cocaine trade.
Tragic Shooting of Ellie Edwards on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, 26-year-old Ellie Edwards was tragically shot to death at a pub on the Wirral. The perpetrator, Connor Chapman, seeking revenge in a gang conflict over cocaine territory, opened fire in the pub's beer garden. Chapman was convicted of Ellie's murder and sentenced to 48 years in prison. The incident shed light on the grim consequences of the lucrative cocaine trade and its impact on communities, including escalating gang violence in various parts of the world.
Legacy of Ellie Edwards and Anti-Gun Violence Foundation
Ellie Edwards, a beloved beautician and dental nurse, was remembered for her positive spirit and kindness. Following her death, a foundation was established in her name to raise awareness of gun violence and support affected families. The podcast series 'Cocaine Inc.,' produced by The Times, The Sunday Times, and News Corp Australia, delves into the harsh realities of the global cocaine industry, emphasizing the human toll and the efforts to bring justice to victims like Ellie.
Today, we bring you the first episode of a new eight-part series.
Cocaine Inc. is hosted by Fiona Hamilton, chief reporter at The Times, David Collins, northern editor at The Sunday Times, and Stephen Drill, national correspondent at News Corp Australia.
Inside the global cocaine industry, where profits are counted up in millions and losses measured out in murders.
This worldwide investigation from The Times, Sunday Times and NewsCorp Australia, reveals how the drug business works like any multi-billion dollar corporation.
To listen to the full series just go to Cocaine Inc. wherever you get your podcasts.