The Story
The Times
The Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations. Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times. The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 4, 2025 • 42min
Cocaine Inc. (Bonus) - Question Time
Curious about drug trade and its implications? This discussion dives into the complexities of drug confiscation, from risky armed encounters to the challenges of incinerating seized substances. Ethical dilemmas in crime podcasting are explored, advocating for victim-centered narratives over criminal glamorization. The conversation also highlights Australia’s drug legalization experiments and how better public transport can diminish gang violence. Additionally, the interplay between cryptocurrencies and crime sheds light on modern money laundering techniques.
Jan 3, 2025 • 38min
Cocaine Inc. (Bonus) - The Artist
In this captivating conversation, Stephen Mee, a former cocaine trafficker turned artist, shares his incredible journey from the gritty world of the Cali Cartel to creating vibrant, surreal artwork. He reflects on his tumultuous past, including prison experiences and encounters with notorious criminals. Stephen sheds light on the dark opulence of cartel life, revealing the harsh realities and moral conflicts he faced. This transformation showcases the complexities of redemption and the lasting impacts of the cocaine trade on his life and society.
Jan 2, 2025 • 43min
Cocaine Inc. (Ep 8) - Bringing it Home
Stephen Drill, News Corp Australia's national correspondent, dives into the dark world of organized crime and money laundering. He reveals a luxurious $10 million Melbourne home linked to drug operations, shedding light on the complexities of laundering drug money. Drill discusses violent gang wars fueled by cocaine, unexpected alliances among rival groups, and a significant police raid targeting a massive money laundering scheme. The narrative emphasizes the broader implications of international cocaine trafficking and the urgent need for effective law enforcement responses.
Jan 1, 2025 • 39min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 7) - The Dubai Gold Rush
Dive into the glimmering yet shadowy world of Dubai's gold trade. The podcast uncovers how organized crime masterfully launders money through gold investments. With a focus on the mysterious Omnivest Gold Trading, it reveals ties to a staggering £100 million in illicit funds. Explore the stark contrast between Dubai's luxurious image and its dark underbelly of crime. The investigation highlights the effects of a burgeoning gold rush driven by drug trafficking, all while raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Dec 31, 2024 • 38min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 6) - Sunshine and Lollipops
Explore a daring cash smuggling operation as passengers casually transport millions from the UK to Dubai in suitcases. Hear a cash mule's firsthand account of the high-stakes deception lurking behind business trips. Discover Francesca's descent from a normal life into the gritty world of organized crime. Unravel the inner workings of the Sunshine and Lollipops gang and their intricate money laundering schemes. The discussions also touch on mental health challenges, revealing the psychological toll on those involved in crime.
Dec 30, 2024 • 35min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 5) - The Woodchurch Estate
In the heart of northern England, chaos surrounds the cocaine trade. A tragic murder highlights the brutal reality of gang violence and its impact on the Woodchurch Estate. Community members share chilling insights into life under siege, while the narrative delves into the complex web of crime and fear perpetuated by rival gangs. A former criminal's journey to redemption brings a glimmer of hope, questioning the potential of those trapped in cycles of crime. This exploration reveals both the dark consequences and the flicker of resilience within struggling communities.
Dec 29, 2024 • 35min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 4) - The Pineapple Trader
Wouter Laumans, a top Dutch crime reporter, shares crucial insights into the cocaine trade and Roger P's rise to infamy. He unveils the dark logistics flowing through Rotterdam's ports, where cocaine is ingeniously hidden among legitimate goods. Laumans discusses the chilling realities of corruption that plagues law enforcement, making it difficult to combat the drug trade. Listeners are taken through the harrowing discoveries of torture chambers linked to smuggling operations, juxtaposing Belgium's tranquility with its violent narcotics past.
Dec 28, 2024 • 33min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 3) - The 64 Million Percent Mark-up
Investigative journalist Stephen Drill reveals the shocking realities of the cocaine trade, tracing its journey from Colombia to Mexico. He discusses the staggering profit margins, where cocaine prices surge exponentially once it leaves South America. Drill sheds light on the complex tunnels used for smuggling and the violent repercussions tied to drug trafficking. He also addresses the grave challenges law enforcement faces in tackling narco-terrorism, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive training in a rapidly changing criminal landscape.
Dec 27, 2024 • 30min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 2) - The Sweet Song
Stephen Drill is a News Corp Australia national correspondent who investigates the cocaine trade in Colombia, while Jose Fernando Carvajal Rueda, a former Colombian policeman, advocates for law after losing his legs to a landmine during drug eradication efforts. They discuss the harsh realities of coca plantations, sharing personal stories of resilience amidst violence. The dark legacy of the cocaine trade is explored, detailing the rise of powerful cartels, the struggles of law enforcement, and the human cost of this illicit industry in Colombian society.
Dec 26, 2024 • 28min
Cocaine Inc. (Pt 1) - A shooting at Christmas
Joining the discussion are David Collins, a Sunday Times reporter who was integral to the Cocaine Inc. investigation, and Tim Edwards, father of victim Ellie Edwards. They unpack the harrowing story of Ellie, who was shot on Christmas Eve, shedding light on the emotional fallout for her family. The conversation reveals the chaotic aftermath of the shooting and dives into the broader implications of the cocaine trade, illustrating how this tragedy connects to gang violence and the persistent challenges of drug trafficking.
