Breaking: ABC withdraws third story by sacked reporter Mahmood Fazal

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has withdrawn a third story produced by journalist Mahmood Fazal, who was previously sacked. The May 2023 Background Briefing audio program, titled 'Remy was 12 when she became a drug dealer,' has been removed from digital platforms.

This action comes after two episodes of the investigative journalism program Four Corners, 'Cocaine Nation' and 'Meth Highway,' were also taken down on July 24. A statement from the ABC indicated that the removals were due to "concerns identified about the veracity of sources used in the three programs."

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The ABC has removed from digital platforms the May 2023 Background Briefing audio program 'Remy was 12 when she became a drug dealer', in addition to two episodes of Four Corners, Cocaine Nation and Meth Highway, which were removed on 24 July.

The ABC Ombudsman is currently conducting an independent review to determine if the Four Corners programs adhered to the ABC's editorial standards. All three affected stories were reported by the same journalist, who ceased employment with the ABC in May 2026.

The ABC stated that it continues to review other content involving the journalist to ensure it meets the organization's editorial standards.

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The action has been taken following concerns identified about the veracity of sources used in the three programs.