An in-depth podcast series detailing the rise and fall of the Mr Asia crime syndicate, including interviews and never-before-seen photos, has been launched by the New Zealand Herald.

In partnership with Bird of Paradise Productions and NZ On Air, the Herald has launched the investigative podcast Mr Asia: A Forgotten History, exploring one of New Zealand's most notorious drug empires.

Starting with the murder of Marty Johnstone—dubbed Mr Asia—on the orders of syndicate boss Terry Clark, the six-part series investigates how the two first met and built their criminal empire.

The podcast, co-hosted by award-winning writers John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy, delves into the intricate web of deception, violence and excess that defined the 1970s drug ring.

Listeners will hear from key figures involved in the case, including police, journalists and criminals.

Among them are a journalist who covered the case extensively and a former cellmate who became Clark's close friend.

The series also addresses the devastating impact of addiction, featuring testimony from former addicts and insights from the Head of the New Zealand Police’s Organised Crime Group.

“Mr Asia is an amazing story—it’s about a handful of people who changed New Zealand’s drug culture forever,” Daniell said.

"After nearly 40 years, the testimony we gathered is incredibly frank, including that of Terry Clark’s old cellmate, flatmate, friend and fellow drug dealer, who is riveting.”

“It has been fascinating to go behind the scenes to see how police and journalists worked together," McCarthy said.

“We have uncovered new twists to the story and how it was reported then.”

The NZ Herald is committed to providing our audiences with compelling stories across different formats, editor-in-chief Murray Kirkness said.

“We’re thrilled to support the quality investigative journalism that went into this podcast.”

The first three episodes are now available, and the remaining three will be released weekly on Wednesdays.

Listeners can tune in via iHeartRadio or their preferred podcast platform.