Ep 6. The Chinese Takeaway

In Australian Crime Stories season 4 episode 6, titled "The Chinese Takeaway," viewers are taken back to the 1980s, when Sydney's drug trade was at its peak. The episode centers around the murders of two Chinese men, who were found stuffed into barrels and dumped in a river. The men had been involved in the importation of heroin into Australia, and their deaths caused widespread panic among those involved in the drug trade.

The investigation into the murders was led by Detective Sergeant Jim Mackay, who quickly realized that the case was more complicated than it appeared. The trail led him to a wealthy businessman named Chay Ho Heng, who was suspected to be the mastermind behind the murders. Heng was a prominent figure in the Chinese community and was known to have connections with the Triads - a powerful criminal organization in China.

Mackay's investigation uncovered a web of corruption that extended from Sydney to Hong Kong. Heng had been using his legitimate businesses as a front for his illegal activities, and he had managed to bribe a number of police officers and politicians to turn a blind eye to his crimes. Mackay also discovered that the murders were not a one-off incident, but rather part of a larger plot to monopolize the heroin trade in Australia.

As Mackay continued to dig deeper, he found himself up against some of the most dangerous criminals in the world. The Triads were determined to protect Heng at all costs, and they were not afraid to use violence to do so. Mackay received numerous death threats, and his family was targeted by those who wanted to intimidate him.

Despite the danger, Mackay remained committed to bringing the criminals to justice. His investigation eventually led to the arrest of Heng and several of his associates, who were charged with murder and drug trafficking. However, the case was far from over. Heng's lawyers argued that he was being unfairly targeted because of his ethnicity, and the trial became a heated debate about racism and police corruption.

"The Chinese Takeaway" is a fascinating look into one of Australia's most notorious criminal cases. It shows how the drug trade can spread its tentacles into every aspect of society, and it highlights the bravery of those who are willing to risk everything to fight it. The episode is a testament to the courage and determination of Detective Sergeant Jim Mackay and the many others who worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims of this heinous crime.