An investigation led by Cocaine Inc, a investigative podcast from True Crime Australia, has uncovered cashed-up tradies are now the leading cocaine users in Australia, with 1 in 8 tradies reportedly using the drug.
Male Aussie tradies aged 18 to 24 have surpassed traditional white-collar users like lawyers and stockbrokers, becoming the top demographic for cocaine consumption.
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This is partly due to new union pay agreements which have significantly increased tradies’ salaries, including overtime and site allowances, pushing their earnings above $300,000 a year on major projects.
Traffic controllers are now earning up to $200,000 annually.
Cocaine Inc’s investigative reporter, Stephen Drill spoke with Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Marguax and Dan about his recent trip to Colombia, and the revelations he uncovered about Australia’s cocaine trade:
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Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux & Dan; listen live from 5.30am weekdays on Brisbane’s 104.5 Triple M or download the LiSTNR App to grab the podcast NOW.
“The amount of cocaine plants that have been planted in the last 10 years has actually doubled. So we’re seeing a tsunami of cocaine coming to Australia.”
“What’s sold between in Australia is on average between 20% pure cocaine and 60% pure cocaine.” said Stephen.
Catch up with more Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux and Dan below: