Podcasts about Black market

Jed Alexander is the author of The Fairy Tale Color Collection, a series of children's books that begins with the wordless 2018 book Red, the follow-up 2022 book, Gold, and the third book in that series, Olive. His clients have included SpongeBob Comics, Cricket Magazine, Writer's Digest and The Children's Book Council. His new book is The Black Market, a Middle Grade book which he wrote and illustrated recently published by Union Square Kids. The QWERTY podcast is brought to you by the book ,The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life. Read it, and begin your own journey to writing what you know. To learn more, join The Memoir Project free newsletter list and keep up to date on all our free webinars, instructive posts and online classes in how to write memoir, as well as our talented, available memoir editors and memoir coaches, podcast guests and more.

I recently had the privilege of speaking with RRC Mike Edwards, a former Army Ranger who served with the Regimental Reconnaissance Company (RRC).In this conversation, Mike shares his experiences serving overseas, how those experiences challenged his understanding of the world, and how they ultimately strengthened his faith. We discuss modern warfare, corruption, weapons trafficking, the realities of military service, spiritual warfare, and Mike's journey from elite military operations to his work today encouraging others in their walk with God.Topics include:• The Regimental Reconnaissance Company (RRC) • Life as an Army Ranger• Modern warfare• Government corruption• Weapons trafficking• Spiritual warfare• Faith after military service• Biblical worldview• Mike's ministry and current workIf you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with someone who would enjoy it.Your support helps the show reach more people.Connect with RRC Mike Edwards:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RRCMikeEdwardsBUY ME A COFFEE LINKSupport the Show & Stay Connected:Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sensiblehippieJoin My Patreon for ad-free episodes & exclusive content:https://Patreon.com/WakeupwithMiyaIf you're joining Waiola – The Plus Side, please subscribe through a web browser (Safari or Chrome) instead of the Patreon app — it directly supports the show. Mahalo nui loa for supporting independent work and helping keep this platform growing.Shop my Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/profile/amzn1.account.AGYOPCXXGH6MN5RVAKGQWVZUZLEA/list/26B87RB4FZ9W2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_6BWRT43TH4MY2NM2XD6XWant to be on the show or suggest a guest? I'm looking for guests who can speak on human trafficking, the paranormal, occult symbolism, hidden history, spiritual warfare, ancient mysteries, and specific military stories involving covert operations, secret programs, psychological warfare, unexplained events, and firsthand accounts.Email me at: Miya@wakeupwithmiya.comFollow Me Online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WakeupwithMiyaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeupwithMiyaExclusive Discount!Shop at LVNTA: https://lvnta.com/lv_IcTq5EmoFKaZfJhTiSUse code OHANA for 20% off!Listen on Your Favorite Platform: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are available!RATE & REVIEW:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-with-miya/id1627169850Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UYrXCgma1lJYzf8glnAxyMusic Credits: Beginning: "Echoes in the Shadows" - DKEnd Music: “Crazy” - EkoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wake-up-with-miya--6339129/support.

Illegal tobacco is estimated to cost the UK around £2 billion a year in lost tax revenue, while undercutting legitimate retailers and providing a lucrative market for organised crime.Sarah Connor, UK director of communications at JTI, Rohan Pike, an international illicit trade expert and former police officer, and Andrew Boff, Conservative chair of the London Assembly, join The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons to discuss how illegal tobacco is affecting Britain's high streets. They examine whether rising tobacco duties and new regulations are pushing consumers towards the black market; what Britain can learn from Australia, where the legal tobacco market has been ‘given up' to criminals; and whether stronger enforcement, higher fines and better support for trading standards can protect honest shopkeepers.This podcast is sponsored by JTI, with editorial control retained by The Spectator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Philippe Hoeblich, CEO and Co-Founder of PayGas, about the rising threat of illicit gas refilling operations. Due to the popularity of LPG, the black market now controls about a quarter of the supply in South Africa, which poses serious safety risks to users. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Big Fish reveals that 1,700 dozen Sydney Rock Oysters stolen in NSW were illegally harvested by the thieves when the estuary was closed by the NSW Food Safety Authority due to a sewage spill in the waterway. The Oysters could spread hepatitis and other deadly diseases. You will hear from the Oyster Grower and a food safety expert.

ABC's Jim Ryan reports that while many weigh loss drugs are becoming more affordable, people are still looking for the next best drug

Holding students back in school once came with a negative connotation. But with college athletes now able to earn endorsement deals, they are preparing younger and younger to be recruited and potentially get paid. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on the rise of special middle schools where students hold themselves back on purpose so they can grow, develop and mature before high school. Ryan Knutson hosts.   Further Listening: - Inside the Black Market for High School Football Players- NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports - How Gamblers Are Rigging College Basketball Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Grocers Australia chief executive Martin Sterling told 3AW Breakfast hosts Ross and Russel the illegally sold alcohol could be extremely dangerous to consume.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Tim Miller from the UK Gambling Commission discusses the evolving landscape of illegal gambling, the challenges of enforcement, and the role of big tech in combating illegal sites. We explore strategies for collaboration, technological advancements, and regulatory updates to protect consumers and reduce the black market.Key TopicsThe scale and challenges of illegal gambling in the UKThe importance of data and evidence in enforcementRole of social media and big tech in illegal advertisingNew powers and resources for the UK Gambling CommissionInternational collaboration in gambling regulationImpact of crypto and new payment methods on gamblingConsumer protection and black market mitigation Host: Charlie HornerGuests: Tim Miller & Ted Menmuir Producer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLearn how Optimove's Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove's Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service. 

A retail industry group is sounding the alarm over figures it says show that a third of the tobacco smoked in New Zealand is from the black market. A report prepared by FTI consulting - on behalf of the tobacco industry - found there was a rise in the consumption of illicit products last year. However, an anti-smoking advocate says the numbers don't add up, and the real black market figures are likely much lower. Finn Blackwell reports.

The Customs Minister insists the Government's had success seizing illicit tobacco, as a report outlines the reality of the black market. FTI Consulting's study - commissioned by tobacco companies - found more than a third consumed last year was illegal. It estimates the Government lost $817-million in excise and GST revenue last year. Casey Costello says despite more seizures than ever, smuggled amounts are getting through. She's advising customers to be cautious. "When you've buying that cheap packet of cigarettes, you're lining the pockets of some pretty bad people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheap, illict, black market ciggies are in the news again. A new report claims more that than one third of tobacco consumed last year was bought on the black market. It estimates the Government lost $817 million in excise and GST revenue last year. It's worth noting the report was commission by tobacco companies, who are obviously very keen to knock this behaviour on the head. Immediately, it raises questions about the excise tax placed on cigarettes and whether we should raise it, keep it steady, or drop it. Excise tax and GST in NZ means a packet of cigarettes is around $40 – but you can pick up a pack on the black market for around $13. It's a difficult policy choice. On one hand, high cigarette taxes have helped reduce smoking rates over time. On the other hand, you can't deny that rising prices have increased the incentive for black market tobacco smuggling and illicit sales. There is a reasonable argument for reducing or freezing excise taxes if policymakers believe the illegal market is growing faster than the legal market is shrinking. Australia provides a warning. After years of large tax increases, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates illicit products made up as much as 80% of nicotine consumption in 2025. Organised crime groups have become heavily involved, leading to violence, extortion, and firebombings. However, cutting taxes also has drawbacks. Cheaper cigarettes may encourage more smoking, undermining progress towards public health goals. I would also argue it's unlikely the excise tax would be reduced enough to truly compete with a black market $13 pack of cigarettes. New Zealand has not yet reached Australia's level of criminal involvement. The Government has stated that while illicit tobacco is increasing, New Zealand is “not yet facing the same issues as Australia.” Authorities have responded with joint operations involving Customs, Police, and Health agencies. Last night, Customs Minister Casey Costello defended border controls on Newstalk ZB Drive, stating that Customs has had huge success in seizing illicit tobacco. And to be fair, they have demonstrated significant enforcement capability. In one recent case, officers intercepted 927,000 smuggled cigarettes concealed in shipments falsely declared as clothing, leading to arrests and the potential tax avoidance of $1.4 million. Other operations have seized more than 1.5 million cigarettes and over a tonne of loose tobacco. What we need to see though is better organisation between Police and Health agencies once the product is in New Zealand and on sale. In the year ending in March, Ministry of Health did not undertake any enforcement action against retailers under Smokefree legislation, and yet, dodgy retailers don't seem to be very hard to find. From here they need to make it clear whose jurisdiction it is to focus on breaking up the domestic supply of illegal cigarettes, with serious fines and consequences on the table. Overall though, the strongest response may be a middle path: avoid large future excise increases while investing more resources in enforcement. This approach preserves the health benefits of high tobacco prices while reducing the risk of creating an Australian-style black market dominated by organised crime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chalene Johnson is fired up, and she is not holding back. Three topics, all of them wild, and she has opinions on every single one. First, the peptide black market is way bigger and way scarier than most people realize. What is actually in those vials, who is selling them, and how this underground economy exploded into a $100 million operation will make your jaw drop. Then the Michael Jackson: The Verdict documentary just dropped on Netflix, and Chalene has thoughts. Can you love an artist and despise what you believe he did? The answer is more complicated than you think. And the Alec Murdaugh double murder conviction just got overturned. Not because of new evidence. The reason why is going to make you question everything about how our court system actually works.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about the rise of black market tobacco consumption across the Tasman and the Finke Desert Race revving up for it's 50th anniversary.

Most criminals underestimate Boston Blackie's resourcefulness—and that's a mistake. When he's framed for hijacking and tangled in a ruthless black market meat ring, Blackie doesn't just fight back; he outsmarts his enemies with clever maneuvers, unexpected allies, and a knack for turning danger into opportunity.In this episode, you'll discover how Blackie navigates a web of hijackers, black market kingpins, and police suspicion—all while risking his own life. We break down the smart tactics he employs to expose a corruption scheme that threatens honest businessmen and consumers alike. You'll see how Blackie's quick thinking and knowledge of crime dynamics unravel a plot that could have cost the community millions—and even lives.Key insights include the importance of understanding black market operations, tactics for cleverly gathering evidence, and the value of staying one step ahead of those trying to silence you. We explore how a combination of savvy detective work and street smarts transforms Blackie from a suspect to a hero—showing that courage and cleverness can turn even the darkest schemes into brilliant victories.The stakes couldn't be higher. Failing to tackle black market criminals risks financial chaos, compromised security, and ongoing lawlessness. But this episode also opens a window to opportunities: smarter crime prevention, grassroots resistance, and the power of wit over brute force. Whether you're interested in crime strategy, sharp storytelling, or just want to see how one man's ingenuity thwarts evil—this episode is your front-row seat to a masterclass in clever problem-solving.Perfect for crime enthusiasts, fans of clever protagonists, or anyone who believes in the power of brains over brawn—this episode proves that even in the darkest moments, a sharp mind can make all the difference.

Queensland crackdown cuts illicit tobacco and vape shops, but black market adapts quickly

A Business Day investigation has pried open South Africa's black market for number plates and found the price of entry close to nothing. In this interview with Irakli, Business Day Deputy Editor Kabelo Khumalo explains how reporters walked out of three Johannesburg establishments with plates after doing just one thing - writing a registration number on a piece of paper, with no ID, licence or vehicle registration required. He warns the trade is above all a security risk: "Number plates is as good as a DNA for an investigative officer… because now we can't even rely on those." It also opens the door to cloning, dragging law-abiding citizens into investigations "for crimes that they have nothing to do with". Khumalo says the body representing legal producers estimates as much as 40% of number plates issued in South Africa might be illegal, and that getting hold of them is now as simple as a trip to the shops "to buy bread and milk". He points to the country's only three manufacturers of blank plates — one of which, Uniplate, "admitted that the system is imperfect" — and to "a syndicate in the middle that is distorting the market in favour of the illicit". Tellingly, the illegal plates cost the same as the legal ones: "people are not driven to buy these plates because of pricing, but because they want to avoid law enforcement." The DA has written to the Ministers of Police, Trade & Industry and Transport to set up an inter-ministerial team, while the Competition Commission pursues the three manufacturers over alleged collusion on pricing.

Dr. Abud Bakri, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and expert in the science and clinical use of peptides. We discuss the history, uses, sourcing and safety of BPC-157, GHK-Cu, pinealon, epithalon, GLP-1s, retatrutide, melanotan and growth hormone-promoting peptides. We discuss the gap that exists between animal and human data and meaningful differences in the sources for different peptides. For those interested in peptides, Dr. Bakri provides a grounded look at the science, risks and uncertainties shaping the field today. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Lingo: https://hellolingo.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Abud Bakri (00:03:33) What are Peptides?, Receptors (00:06:26) BPC-157, Discovery, Animal Proteins (00:11:19) BPC-157, Animal Data, Regeneration (00:12:27) Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Lingo (00:14:51) BPC-157, Regeneration & Healing, Neurological Effects (00:19:27) Adverse Events, Clinical Trials & Legality of BPC-157 (00:29:41) GLPs & Compounding Pharmacy; Peptides & Gray Market (00:35:25) Manufacturing, Compounding Pharmacies, Gray Market, Black Market (00:41:32) Peptides & Tumor Growth?; Angiogenesis (00:45:17) Sponsor: AG1 (00:47:01) Pharmaceutical Patents, Clinical Trials for BPC-157, Potential Outcomes (00:54:19) BPC-157 Healing, Patient Experiences (01:01:22) Physician Counsel, FDA Legality, Malpractice (01:07:25) Pinealon, Epithalon, Discovery; Sleep & Cognitive Performance, Risks (01:18:17) Sponsor: Function (01:19:55) Pineal Age Deterioration, Epithalon, Eye Health (01:29:38) Thymus, Age Shrinkage; Thymosin Alpha-1, Immune Function (01:38:13) TB-500; Pet Health; Thymic Peptide Doses, Thymulin, Zinc (01:49:13) Sponsor: LMNT (01:50:33) GHK-Cu (Copper GHK), Collagen (01:55:32) Illness Recovery, Thymic Score, Tool: Blood Test & Immune Cell Counts (02:04:01) Growth Hormone Secretagogues, Age Decline, Cancer Risk, Insulin (02:15:36) GHK-Cu, Topical Cream, Red Light Therapy (02:20:25) GLPs, Discovery, Physical & Cognitive Long-Term Effects, Fertility (02:33:53) Retatrutide; Drug Patents & Nomenclature (02:39:03) Peptides: Women Reproductive Disorders; TBI, Neurologic Effect; Safe Sources (02:45:34) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government has seized twenty million vapes with an estimated street value of $1 billion, two years after introducing new legislation. But are the rules really working? 

Would cutting tobacco tax weaken a dangerous black market - or reverse decades of progress in reducing smoking deaths?

There is a black market for unvetted, sometimes dangerous, drivers to deliver your food.

Jim McTague examines the AI boom, noting the high valuation of DeepSeek and its use of black-market chips. He discusses a lawsuit against Character AI for unlicensed medical advice and the economic impact of data centers, which provide local tax revenue but consume significant real estate. (14/16)1940 RIBBENTROP

Cuba's fuel crisis has emptied Havana's streets as locals whisper about communism, ration books, blackouts, and life on $14 a month while a two-star general hunts down journalist Nick Shirley for exposing the reality.

The war in Iran finds its way to California in the form of higher fuel prices, but how much of the Golden's State “pain at the pump” is driven by geopolitics versus decades of arguably misguided state energy policies? Meanwhile, a gubernatorial primary unique in its lack of a clear frontrunner becomes more muddled after former Rep. Eric Swalwell abruptly quits the race following accusations of sexual misconduct. Also muddled: post-COVID California and news that Golden State's population centers haven't fully bounced back six years after the pandemic ( a reflection of changing workstyles and a lack of affordable housing). Finally, where's the smoke, there's . . . a flourishing cannabis black market in California a decade after voters legalized (and levied a heavy tax) on recreational marijuana. Recorded on April 22, 2026.

In this Episode, I chat with Jed Alexander, author and illustrator of The Black Market. We talked about his writing style, writing for characters and not the plot. We discuss the challenges of marketing and doing author school visits and promoting work on social medias.

Priced at thousands of dollars per kilogram, baby eels have set off a global frenzy. Lori Wilson reads The Fight Over Canada's Most Valuable Fish by Yuan Wang. About AMIAMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI's vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaIncEmail feedback@ami.ca Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hazel Baker of the London History Podcast describes late December 1870 at the crowded Worship Street Police Court, where three women—Elizabeth Brown (22), Charlotte Quigley (20), and her mother Charlotte Quigley (45)—are charged with stealing large quantities of buttons from Hackney manufacturer Mr. Williamson. The episode explains why buttons had real commercial value in the booming Victorian clothing trade and how stolen goods could be easily hidden and resold. Detective Chapman traces the missing buttons through East End neighborhoods via shopkeepers such as Isaac Levine of Bethnal Green Road and Mr. Hyams near Spitalfields, who admit buying “job lots” without records or reporting suspicions. Magistrate Henry Jeffreys Bushby condemns this normalized receiving of stolen goods, warns traders to keep detailed purchase records, and links the thefts to severe East End poverty and economic distress; the case is remanded and the final outcome is unknown.

A woman is scammed into a Black Market game of lies for millions of yen and after recruiting an ex-conman to help become the King of Liars.

On today's poddy, it's nice to be thought of. Follow The Big Show on Instagram Subscribe to the podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Featuring Jason Hoyte, Mike Minogue, and Keyzie, "The Big Show" drive you home weekdays from 4pm on Radio Hauraki.Providing a hilarious escape from reality for those ‘backbone’ New Zealanders with plenty of laughs and out-the-gate yarns.Download the full podcast here:iHeartRadioAppleSpotify Follow The Big Show on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This update marks a major turning point for the Sea of Thieves economy with the launch of Season 19 and the debut of the Bilge Rats Weekender events. The most significant change is the Doubloon Economy Reset, where players' existing Doubloon stashes are converted into gold to make way for a new, scarcer Doubloon system with a 4,000-coin cap. To earn these revamped riches, pirates must participate in time-limited activities like the Smuggler's Doubloon Run or hunt for Secret Shipments during weekend celebrations. Beyond the fiscal shift, the update reopens Larinna's Black Market with legacy Seasonal rewards, introduces a hidden Smugglers' Market run by Duke, and delivers vital quality-of-life improvements—including more visible "Battle Bounds" for Hourglass fights and a streamlined Pirate Emporium.   Links: https://www.seaofthieves.com/release-notes/3.7.1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZok3EUmOo8 https://www.seaofthieves.com/bilge-rats-weekender Support: https://www.patreon.com/keelhauledpodcast Contact Info: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/captlogun.bsky.social Email: Captlogun@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/capt_logun Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/capt_logun Gamertag: CaptainLogun Community: Keelhauled Podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/5VRabwR Other Places to Listen: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/keelhauled-a-sea-of-thieves-podcast/id1351615675?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BrEqA6prz6t31wlFgaWaS Merch: Teespring: https://teespring.com/stores/keelhauled-podcast

From taboo to mainstream—America's view on marijuana has completely flipped. On this 4/20, Tara breaks down the staggering shift in public opinion, why federal law still hasn't caught up, and the real-world impacts nobody's talking about—from black markets to health concerns.

Rob Heneghan is one of Ireland's most popular online gambling tipsters. His social media accounts show his more than one million followers a glamorous lifestyle of private jets, yachts and wads of cash.In recent videos he's placing large cash bets at Cheltenham with darts players Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.His company, Pro Sports Advice, charges between €19 to €149 a month for his tipping services, but customers can also pay €3,999 for a “platinum lifetime”. membership.As Irish Times senior investigative reporter Mark Tighe has discovered. Heneghan has also promoted Gambana, a Belize-registered gambling website that operates using a fraudulent licence.So what are the possible dangers for gamblers using this site? And what did a High Court action, settled in Dublin on Friday, reveal about the lucrative online tipster world?Tighe, whose investigation into Heneghan and Gambana continues, explains.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just picture it: under the cover of night, police detectives raid a clandestine drug lab in Melbourne belonging to an organised crime gang. But instead of picking through just the usual: beakers, wads of cash and perhaps the unmistakable acetone odour of ICE, they stumble on something else.Boxes upon boxes – upon BOXES – of Lego.Today, senior reporter Chris Vedelago on why your kids’ favourite toy has become the underworld’s new favourite currency, and why it’s so good for laundering dirty money.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just picture it: under the cover of night, police detectives raid a clandestine drug lab in Melbourne belonging to an organised crime gang. But instead of picking through just the usual: beakers, wads of cash and perhaps the unmistakable acetone odour of ICE, they stumble on something else.Boxes upon boxes – upon BOXES – of Lego.Today, senior reporter Chris Vedelago on why your kids’ favourite toy has become the underworld’s new favourite currency, and why it’s so good for laundering dirty money.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's cautious support being shown for a crack down on black market tobacco, but also warnings the tobacco industry itself could be stoking fears. A report into the illicit tobacco trade, released by Retail NZ, pushed for the formation of a unified response from Customs, Police, Health NZ and Inland Revenue. It's chief executive said we need to act quickly, but the Prime Minister isn't convinced. Finn Blackwell reports.

A new report is sounding the alarm on the illicit tobacco trade. The Retail NZ report points to the growing black market, which drives crime, undermines public health efforts, and reduces tax revenue. A quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco, with most sourced from China and the Middle East. Australia has faced similar issues, former Senior Australian Federal Police Detective Rohan Pike telling Mike Hosking that in the last three years it's turned from a large underground market to open air violence. He says there's murders, drive-by shootings, extortions, and firebombings. In addition, Government revenue has dropped from $16.5 billion six years ago to just $5 billion, with illicit cigarettes making up about 80% of the Australian market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when even the best doctors in Los Angeles can't help you? In this episode, I sit down with Elle Russ to share her raw, unfiltered thyroid story, from years of debilitating symptoms… to being dismissed and gaslit by top-tier doctors. At her lowest point, Elle took matters into her own hands, sourcing thyroid medication on the black market just to feel human again.   This conversation isn't just about thyroid health… it's about advocacy, confidence, and what happens when no one is listening. If this resonates and you're ready to understand the clinical patterns behind thyroid dysfunction and Hashimoto's, we're going deeper inside the Clinical Edge Workshop. ⚠️ Note: Elle Russ is not the presenter for this session, but her story highlights exactly why this level of understanding matters. Join us HERE: http://fdntraining.com/clinical Use coupon code 'freeticket26'  

Fake Fact Check: Black Market Raudah Permits for sale by Radio Islam

Black market cigarettes are being openly sold at heavily discounted prices, undermining one of the biggest barriers to smoking, the cost. The illicit packets of cigarettes and bags of loose tobacco have none of the health warnings, carry no information about quitting or the hefty excise tax. Customs says smugglers have become increasingly sophisticated, but in suburban Auckland they're being sold over a shop counter. Finn Blackwell reports.

(2:30) Is Casey old? (8:30) Casey reports on social media (18:30) Real Marriage (29:30) The Marriage Bed forums check out Casey's new post on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fsbt

Journalist Scott Eden's new book, “A Killing in Cannabis,” tells the story of a tech industry veteran who set out to make his mark in the newly legal marijuana industry — and how that dream ended with his murder in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We'll talk with Eden about the crime and what it tells us about the continuing dominance of the cannabis black market. What do you think it would take to fix California's cannabis marketplace? Guests: Scott Eden, investigative reporter; author, "A Killing in Cannabis: A True Story of Love, Murder and California Weed" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stupid News Extra 3-6-2026 …Is there even a Black Market for those things?

What do you do when you drive up behind a car full of smoke? Let it ride, call the cops, or glare? We discuss best practices, and...whoa! Six Flags St. Louis has been sold!

Latest Olympic news has Frenchy DeHuff chiming in. Dogs running on the course, Women's and Men's hockey, and black market Olympic condoms. Tony Clark resigned as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association - because he was banging his sister in-law. Connery and DeHuff re-write the headline for that. Tyreek Hill was released by the Dolphins, and Broncos Country does not want him in Denver. The Kansas City Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes' contract. Good news for Chiefs and their fans - bad news for everybody else in the AFC. The Seattle Seahawks are officially up for sale, and they could reach up to $7B - if not more. Kenneth Walker III will be available, and DeHuff explains why he's a bad fit for the Broncos. The Chicago Bears officially announced they're focusing on moving to the Hammond, Indiana area. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Latest Olympic news has Frenchy DeHuff chiming in. Dogs running on the course, Women's and Men's hockey, and black market Olympic condoms. Tony Clark resigned as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association - because he was banging his sister in-law. Connery and DeHuff re-write the headline for that. Tyreek Hill was released by the Dolphins, and Broncos Country does not want him in Denver. The Kansas City Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes' contract. Good news for Chiefs and their fans - bad news for everybody else in the AFC. The Seattle Seahawks are officially up for sale, and they could reach up to $7B - if not more. Kenneth Walker III will be available, and DeHuff explains why he's a bad fit for the Broncos. The Chicago Bears officially announced they're focusing on moving to the Hammond, Indiana area. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, steps outside traditional Mafia territory and into a shadowy world just as dangerous—and just as fascinating: the international theft of ultra-rare automobiles.  Gary is joined by author Stayton Bonner, former senior editor at Rolling Stone, and legendary car-recovery specialist Joe Ford, the real-life figure behind Bonner's book The Million Dollar Car Detective. At the center of the story is a breathtaking pre-World War II automobile—the Talbot-Lago Teardrop Coupé—once described as the most beautiful car in the world. Stolen from a Milwaukee industrialist's garage in 2001, the car vanished into the international underground of elite collectors, forged paperwork, and high-stakes deception. Joe Ford explains how he became the go-to investigator when rare cars worth millions disappear—and why stolen vehicles are far harder to recover than stolen art. What follows is a years-long global hunt involving disgruntled mechanics, fabricated titles, shell corporations, Swiss intermediaries, and a billionaire buyer now locked in civil litigation. Bonner adds rich historical context, tracing the car's glamorous past—from European aristocracy to Hollywood royalty—and exposing how loneliness, obsession, and greed often surround these legendary machines. The conversation expands into other notorious cases, including the disappearance of the original James Bond Aston Martin from Goldfinger, and how wealthy collectors sometimes knowingly harbor stolen artifacts. This episode is a true-crime story without guns or gangs—but filled with deception, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice across borders. If you love investigative work, high-end crime, and stories that feel like James Bond meets Gone in 60 Seconds, this one's for you.

Ahoy there, pirates! This week, I'm joined by Caleb as we sit down to talk about the Doubloon reset that's coming with Season 19, the overall cadence of Rare's development for the game, changes to Hourglass, and some other topics. Caleb wanted me to include the notes from the show so you can get an idea of what we chatted about for reference. Check them out below! Support: https://www.patreon.com/keelhauledpodcast Contact Info: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/captlogun.bsky.social Email: Captlogun@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/capt_logun Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/capt_logun Gamertag: CaptainLogun Community: Keelhauled Podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/5VRabwR Other Places to Listen: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/keelhauled-a-sea-of-thieves-podcast/id1351615675?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BrEqA6prz6t31wlFgaWaS Merch: Teespring: https://teespring.com/stores/keelhauled-podcast   --- Show Notes --- Doubloons History Earned by doing Bilge Rat commendations (Actually called bilge rat doubloons) > Stopped giving them away from comms, now through certain items (and insider rewards) > Added them to seasons Used to buy stuff from the Black Market limited time items themed around the updates > bilge rat voyages & letters of recommendation & convert to gold > past seasonal items Now Now more “scarce” and while you can “earn them in small amounts at sea” (confirmed reaper chest & season track) main source will be a monthly event, and those sources will earn you smaller amounts. Black Market: Past Seasonal items, Past limited-time items (don't know if letters of recommendation or gold revert will remain) Don't want to argue limited-time items for the umpteenth time. Seasonal items already come back for doubloons, now they will just be in the black market instead of their respective shops. Blackmarket used to sell new recolors for gold, and one day Rare threw them all into their respective shops instead; why are we going backwards here? Why convert the current past seasonal items to gold if you're still going to charge doubloons for new past seasonal items? What's changing? Past season in the black market instead of the respective shops Past limited-time items as well Doesn't solve the issue of long-time players having nothing to spend doubloons on. Dev Cycles 2018-2019: Big updates every couple of months with small updates in between Small updates called Bilge Rat Adventures From release to anniversary update Hungerdeep > skeleton thrones, gunpowder skeletons, mermaid statues > cursed sails 2019-2020: Small updates every month From a few months after the anniversary update to the festival of giving (2020 - 2nd one) Fort of the Damned > Seabound Soul > Festival of Giving > Legends of the Sea > Crews of Rage 2020-2023: Big updates every couple of months with small updates in between Small updates are called events. Bile Rat Adventures was now just an umbrella section for commendations tied to the new updates. Season 1 > festival of fishing, vault raiders > Season 2 2022: Events dropped for Adventures Season 5 - Season 8 The start of Season 9 had the last adventure Events were now sparsely used for some time-limited things or to track stuff like community day 2023: Small updates every month Season 9-10 Features released across the season 9: Monkey Island 10: guilds & safer seas 2023-2025: Big updates every couple of months. Season 11-14 Notice I didn't say small updates in between. There were, but they were mostly gameplay improvements and bug fixes. This was a period when we were really feeling that they were releasing things before they were fully ready. 2025-current (2026): Small updates every month Season 15-Current (18) These updates were all a part of one big theme. For example: Season 15 ancient megs, then hunting spears & ambient wildlife, wild boars & ambient wildlife. Season 17 was intentionally spread feature release across the season, now in the form of acts. Of course, there were always delays and stuff Recurring Events Seems like they're setting up for the future. Get a suite of recurring events. Right now, we know of: Last Ship Standing for Hourglass Bilge Rat Weekender to earn doubloons Molten Sands Fortress player-activated event Smuggler Heist for smuggler loot at sea forts (key drop mechanic was cool by the way, would love to see this on a bigger scale) Maybe Reaper Fortresses' mega stash Hourglass Commendation fixing Supply (baseline starts similar to arena's equal starts) Circle (puts a soft timer on matches similar to Arena's hard timer) Last Ship Standing (puts multiple sloops in a fight similar to Arena's multi-ship fight) Friction Auto-Raising of emissary flags Lots of these things people been asking for since its release, glad they're focusing on it now Commendation fixing Supply (baseline starts similar to arena's equal starts) Circle (puts a soft timer on matches similar to Arena's hard timer) Last Ship Standing (puts multiple sloops in a fight similar to Arena's multi-ship fight) Friction Auto-Raising of emissary flags Lots of these things people been asking for since its release, glad they're focusing on it now File Size Currently: 129 GB (varies by console) 2019: optimization 47gb to 27gb 2022: 85 GB And, Overwatch 2 is 22 gigs. CoD Warzone 2 is 26 gigs. CoD Modern Warfare 2 is 72 gigs. Halo is 50 gigs. 2024: 103gb Helldivers: optimization 154gb to 23gb “These loading time projections were based on industry data - comparing the loading times between SSD and HDD users where data duplication was and was not used…We have real measurements specific to our game instead of industry data. We now know that the true number of players actively playing HD2 on a mechanical HDD was around 11%.”

From a young age, it was clear that Phillip Bell was a football phenom. He got his first college scholarship offer in middle school. But that talent drew Bell into Southern California's unruly youth football black market. In that system, high schoolers and their families are paid millions to play football. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on a system that ultimately tore Phillip Bell's family apart. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports  - Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2023, Marlena Arjo adopted a one-eyed kitten with a penchant for destruction. She named him Otto, and over the next eight months, Otto grew into his own little chaotic personality.“ He's laying on houseplants, he's tearing books out of the bookshelves, ripping the calendar off the wall…I wasn't prepared for having a criminal in my home,” Arjo joked.Within months, Otto got sick and stopped eating. Arjo rushed him to a vet and learned he had feline infectious peritonitis, better known as FIP, a disease that kills nearly all cats that contract it. The vet said there was nothing the clinic could do. But there was something Arjo could do.“I shouldn't tell you this,” Arjo recalled the vet telling her. “But by the way, you can get drugs for this if you go to this Facebook group.”This week on Reveal, in partnership with the Hyperfixed podcast, we tell the story of the cat drug black market, why it was even necessary, and how cat lovers fought for big changes to make the black market obsolete. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/weekly Connect with us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices