Indonesian president courts West with Bali Nine release
The release of five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for drug smuggling is viewed as an act of political goodwill by President Prabowo Subianto.
drug trafficking
Warning over ‘organised crime gimmick’ drug on streets
Australian police have seized more "pink cocaine" than ever before in 2024 as they warn users about taking the potentially fatal substance.
Remaining Bali Nine members back on Australian soil
Five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia after the federal government reached a deal with Indonesian authorities.
Bali Nine face reintegration challenge in Australia
Five Australians convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia have landed home, with the members of the infamous Bali Nine expressing gratitude for their return.
Japanese court convicts Australian of drug smuggling
The family of Perth grandmother Donna Nelson have vowed to keep fighting to bring her home after she was jailed in Japan for smuggling methamphetamine.
Drug forum ends on sour note as diversity challenged
Accusations of diversity issues and "sanitised" recommendations have marred the end of a nation-leading forum centred on reducing community drug harms.
Ex-Liberal leader’s son gets home detention for dealing
The son of a former NSW Liberal Party leader has avoided extra prison time despite admitting running a drug-dealing operation on the dark web.
Decorated photographer reveals rare Bali Nine frames
As Australia moves to bring home the surviving members of the Bali Nine, award-winning AAP photographer Mick Tsikas reflects on his years covering their fate.
‘Russian roulette’: deadly drug alert as imports surge
Federal police are warning commonplace drugs like cocaine and MDMA are increasingly laced with a powerful type of synthetic opioid.
‘Significant step’ in push to repatriate Bali Nine
Five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for their role in attempting to smuggle heroin as part of the Bali Nine are a step closer to coming home.
Drug decriminalisation push nipped in the bud, for now
A broad consensus for treating drug use and possession outside the justice system in a government-run drug summit butts up against current policies.
Bali Nine have served ‘more than enough time’: advocate
A supporter of one of the Bali Nine drug smugglers says returning the group to Australia to be with loved ones will make a difference in their rehabilitation.
Police in ‘joint criminal enterprise’ to get Mokbel
A judge has accused police of operating a "joint criminal enterprise" to take down drug kingpin Tony Mokbel by using his lawyer Nicola Gobbo as an informer.
‘Greedy’ smuggler reveals why coke import turned deadly
A superyacht tour operator who described himself as the "linchpin" of a fatal 84kg cocaine importation explained to police how the operation went so wrong.
Failed cocaine and people smuggler cops hefty sentence
A superyacht operator has been jailed for more than 11 years for his role in a failed drug-smuggling operation that led to the death of a Brazilian diver.
Record cocaine plot dead in water as smugglers hit snag
An alleged plot by a notorious bikie gang to import the largest ever amount of cocaine into Australia has been foiled by police and a broken down boat.
Indonesia to transfer remaining Bali Nine to Australia
Indonesia has confirmed it will return the remaining Bali Nine drug smuggling ring members to Australia and seek the repatriation of Indonesian prisoners.
MacGill allegedly had trusted link with cocaine dealer
Ex-cricketer Stuart MacGill allegedly complained about the quality of cocaine from a regular dealer before helping them to buy "good gear", a court has heard.
Man jailed over cocaine imports to pay for new business
A man who wanted to start a business but had wasted all his money on cocaine took up a cash offer to collect the drug after it had been imported into Australia.
Court approves travel for ex-Lib leader on drug charges
Former South Australian opposition leader David Speirs, who quit parliament after being charged with supplying drugs, has faced court for the first time.
Greece arrests pair suspected of MDMA smuggling to Aust
Police have seized about 56 kg of the psychedelic drug MDMA and nearly 30kg of crystal meth, in one of Greece's biggest busts of the drugs.
Ketamine abuse hits record high
The abuse of ketamine - the drug that killed Friends actor Matthew Perry - is at record levels in Australia.
Drug stigma laid bare in frank talk behind closed doors
Frank discussions about drugs have taken place behind closed doors with advocates telling police and politicians a different response is urgently needed.
Olympic kayaker pleads guilty to cocaine import attempt
Olympian Nathan Baggaley and his brother Dru have admitted trying to import $200 million worth of cocaine after previously having their convictions quashed.
Out of commission gang fed ‘massive appetite’ for coke
Police have announced the takedown of a group allegedly governing cocaine supply and have moved on to finding who will fill the void.
Cops ‘infected’ phones to spy on organised crime plots
The alleged creator of an encrypted communications app is among dozens of people arrested in nationwide raids led by Australian Federal Police.
Save lives: plea to NSW premier after overdose deaths
A Greens MP has called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to fast track drug testing laws after two people died from accidental heroin overdoses at a house party.
Jailed drug dealer laments ‘worst job he ever had’
Peter John Kelso told police after his arrest on a range of drug trafficking and possession charges that dealing was a terrible business, a court was told.
Common drugs being laced with deadly potent synthetics
Extremely potent synthetics drugs that have already caused dozens of overdose deaths in 2024 are being found in vaping liquid, ecstasy and depressants.
Mood-altering drug use a ‘human right’: top prosecutor
Australia's longest-serving public prosecutor is pushing for a Portuguese-style cannabis model that decriminalises drugs and brings users before experts.
Border force finds $13.4m worth of meth in luggage
A Canadian national has been charged after being picked up at Brisbane Airport for allegedly attempting to import 14.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia.