ABC pulls three programmes by former Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced the removal of three programmes produced by former Four Corners journalist Mahmood Fazal. The removals include the May 2023 Background Briefing episode “Remy was 12 when she became a drug dealer” and the Four Corners investigations “Cocaine Nation” and “Meth Highway”. ABC said the action follows concerns about the veracity of sources used in the reports and an internal investigation that led to Fazal’s dismissal in May 2026.

The broadcaster’s Ombudsman has launched an independent review to determine whether the programmes complied with ABC editorial standards. The controversy has sparked internal conflict among senior staff, with broader debate about journalistic ethics, source protection and the broadcaster’s reputation.

Earlier, on 24 July, the ABC had already taken down the two Four Corners episodes after staff raised similar concerns. The saga also links to artist‑turned‑convicted drug dealer Benjamin Aitken, who appeared in the contested reports.