7NEWS Spotlight S2024E20 - Australian Drug Wars & Jack Thompson

Gangland criminals once eliminated their drug rivals quietly, preferring to draw as little attention as possible. However, in recent years, everything has changed dramatically. 

With the shocking transformation of organised crime, shifting from discreet eliminations to technically sophisticated and audacious public attacks, headlines of drive-by shootings and kidnappings have become the new norm.

The crime syndicates exploit cutting-edge technology to evade law enforcement, highlighted by the recent dismantling of an encrypted communications network known as Ghost.

In an eye-opening investigation, this Sunday at 8.50pm on Channel 7 and 7plus, 7NEWS Spotlight reveals the alarming rise of violence happening in plain sight among Australia's drug gangs.

This specialinvestigation features insights from AFP Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield, Victoria Police's former Homicide Detective Charlie Bezzina, NSW Police's former Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, former NSW Detective Michael Kennedy and The Daily Telegraph's Senior Crime Reporter Josh Hanrahan.

As the stakes soar into the billions, 7NEWS Spotlight examines how gangs have become increasingly brazen, endangering innocent lives in their quest for dominance, featuring a harrowing incident from late 2021 when a public shooting occurred outside a childcare centre.

And don't miss a very special exclusive interview with the legendary Aussie actor Jack Thompson.

Jack sits down with 7NEWS Spotlight's Michael Usher for his most revealing interview yet, reflecting on his health battle and that iconic Cleo nude centrefold that shocked Australia. The interview also features appearances by Ita Buttrose and Bryan Brown.