Crime Investigation Australia (2005)
S01E13 The Disappearance of Donald Mackay
Episode Overview
In the heart of the renowned NSW Riverina irrigation region, a small faction of local criminals with ties to the mafia was raking in enormous profits from illicit marijuana farms. Corrupt law enforcement and a widespread bribery system shielded these drug lords from prosecution until Donald Mackay's activism prompted state drug squad raids, resulting in the arrest and fines of several growers. During the ensuing trial, Mackay was publicly identified as the police informant. Furious over losing over $40 million, Griffith mafia leaders, including the infamous Robert "Aussie Bob" Trimbole, placed a hit on him. In July 1977, Trimbole was gunned down in a Griffith hotel parking lot, shot multiple times from behind before being disposed of in a car trunk. Despite extensive investigations and even a Royal Commission, his body remains missing.