A year ago, reporters from The Times, The Sunday Times, and True Crime Australia joined forces to investigate an illicit drug-and-gold trade. Their collaborative efforts uncovered a massive criminal operation that reached across six countries—including England, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia—and four continents. The trail begins with the cash from illegal drug deals, smuggled out of the U.K. in suitcases on commercial airlines. The cash is then “washed” by money launderers in Dubai, who use the funds to purchase untraceable gold from African mines. The amount of money moving through this system is estimated at $118 billion. In the eight-part series Cocaine Inc., the reporters speak with law enforcement, drug dealers, and a former cash mule. It’s a fascinating look at the inner workings of the illicit industry and the investigation that finally brought it to light. —Paulina Prosnitz