The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Hunting Mr X: New true crime podcast

- BRENDAN DUGGAN

The Courier has launched a new true crime series exploring the story of Julian Chisholm, the Blairgowri­e oil diver behind Scotland’s biggest drugs importatio­n.

Across five episodes Hunting Mr X details how the former diver built his very own drug empire, made a deal with the Cali Cartel and with his gang, brought £100 million of Colombian cocaine to the UK via Ullapool.

The case grabbed headlines across the UK after customs caught the gang as they attempted to transport the class A drugs south.

During the trial of Julian

Chisholm’s henchmen, there was an order made under the Contempt of Court Act, which stopped the media from naming him. He was given the moniker “Mr X”.

Then in a shocking turn of events Chisholm managed to escape from custody and flee. He remains one of the most wanted men in the UK.

The investigat­ive podcast series is the first of its kind for The Courier.

Investigat­ive reporter Dale Haslam spent almost two years investigat­ing this story, delving into Chisholm’s rise to power and how his ambitious drugs network spread across the country.

Dale said: “We spoke with investigat­ors, detectives, reformed criminals and authors and authoritie­s based across the world to shed new light on to Chisholm’s massive criminal operation.

“Along the way, we discovered where Chisholm grew up, when his family moved to Scotland and why, we looked into rumours surroundin­g stolen gold and we establishe­d how he was able to escape from jail with a notorious French gangster.”

Host and co-producer Brendan Duggan said: “For fans of true-crime podcasts, this is a local story that will grip you right till the end.

“The tale of Julian Chisholm and what happened to him is a thrilling mystery and listeners will enjoy unwinding the story episode by episode.

“The podcast format is perfect for those who are on the go, it will keep you entertaine­d while you are doing chores, running errands or exercising.”

The first three episodes of the podcast are available now with the final two episodes released on June 8 and 15.

The series is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Mr X is presented and

co-produced by Brendan Duggan, original reporting by Dale Haslam and coproduced by Morven Mcintyre.

Graphics and podcast artwork are by Michael Mccosh.

SEO by Jamie Cameron. Scan the QR code to go to the podcast.

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STORY: The podcast explores Julian Chisholm.

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