ABC removes Four Corners episodes Meth Highway and Cocaine Nation over source concerns
The ABC has taken two major Four Corners investigations offline and launched an independent review after concerns were raised about the reliability of sources used in the programs.
The ABC has removed two Four Corners investigations led by former reporter Mahmood Fazal, who was sacked earlier this year, after concerns were raised about the accuracy of sources used in the programs.
The broadcaster confirmed Meth Highway (2024) and Cocaine Nation (2023), along with associated content, had been taken down from its digital platforms after concerns were identified about the “veracity of certain sources”.
Fazal, a former Mongols bikie member, left the ABC in May 2026 following an internal investigation into his involvement in an external podcast in 2025.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a statement, the ABC said the matter had been referred to the ABC Ombudsman for an independent review into whether the programs complied with the organisation’s editorial policies.
“The ABC will consider whether any further action will be required once that review is complete,” the statement said.
The broadcaster said it remained committed to the highest standards of editorial integrity, adding that maintaining the trust of Australians depended on upholding those standards.
“We take any concerns about our journalism seriously,” the ABC said.
The ABC said it would not comment further while the Ombudsman’s review was underway.
The broadcaster stressed the decision to remove the programs was separate to the internal investigation that led to Fazal’s departure.
