The 70s Murder Of Don Mackay Is A Dark Tale Of Mafia Mysteries & Weed Farms

We might have a far more relaxed attitude to weed these days, with the drug being legalised around the world – including, potentially, in the ACT soon.  But back in the 1970s, weed production in Australia was a huge problem – and one of the towns most notorious for weed trade? Griffith, NSW – the hometown of Don Mackay.

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Mackay was an aspiring politican and business owner in town – he ran Mackay Furniture, and attempted several times to be elected to parliament. He was also a noted anti-drugs campaigner. After discovering a large crop of marijuana in nearby Coleambally, he contacted the Sydney-based drug squad. This led to several arrests – and, tragically, the release of Mackay’s name as whistleblower.

Credit: Supplied

What happened next is like something out of a crime flick – a mysterious furniture order that demanded Mackay deliver the goods to nearby Jerilderie – which never went through after Mackay sent an employee in his place to make the delivery. Then, Mackay went for drinks at Griffith Hotel Motel, walked to his car, and was never seen again. His blood was found on his car, the ground, and keys – and several shell casings were discovered at the scene, too.

Credit: Herald Sun

His death led to a Royal Commission into the illegal drug trade, leading to the deduction that Mackay was murdered contract-style, with Calabrian Mafia cell “The Honoured Society” at the helm.

But that’s not where the story ends. The trail that leads to who murdered Mackay is riddled with Mafia names, criminals and crooked cops from multiple states.

Want to follow the trail? We covered the Don Mackay murder on our true crime and mystery podcast, All Aussie Mystery Hour. Have a listen on iTunes, Spotify, or below:

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