Rhys Ifans tells the tale behind one of the world’s biggest ever drug busts for new BBC Sounds podcast

The series will also feature original music by Welsh musician Gruff Rhys

A new six-part BBC Sounds podcast uncovers the gripping story behind Operation Julie, one of the world’s biggest ever drugs busts.

Presented by Hollywood actor Rhys Ifans, Acid Dream: The Great LSD Plot is the story of a real-life Breaking Bad, set in rural Wales.

With original music by Welsh musician Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), the podcast takes listeners back to the 1970s to tell the tale of a brilliant chemist turned drug lord, an international LSD ring based in rural Wales, and a top secret police operation. This series will uncover the gripping story behind one of the world’s biggest ever drugs busts – Operation Julie.

In the 1970s, it’s estimated that 60% of the world’s LSD came from one place – Wales. Acid Dream is the story of the Microdot Gang, a rag tag group of chemists, dealers, businessmen and hippy dreamers who attempted to start a revolution of the mind from a Welsh farmhouse in Tregaron.

Rhys Ifans said, “Our Welsh slate was laid on the roofs of the world, our coal burnt brightly on its hearths and our LSD, it seems, kicked open the doors of perception.”

Radio Wales’ Commissioner, Jeremy Grange said, “True stories are often more bizarre than fiction and Acid Dream presents a compelling example. The series is brilliantly written and soundscaped and we’re delighted that two great Welsh cultural icons, Rhys Ifans and Gruff Rhys, are involved in creating this imaginative and entertaining account of the story behind Operation Julie.”

Episode 1 of Acid Dream: The Great LSD Plot is now available to listen to on BBC Sounds with a new episode released every Wednesday.