[Scan-DC] DEA Ops in DC/MD Suburbs, 5 Mar 02

[Rapbep@aol.com]

All,

Tonight, in the 1800-2100 hours (EST) I caught several mobile units (301, 
302, 304, 305, 309 & 311) and a helicopter (Flint & 350) working on 418.95 
(PL 156.7).

They were apparently involved in a drug buy operation that started in the DC 
suburbs (off exit 17 on I-495). The operation eventually ended up with the 
suspects being tailed to an apartment complex on Rt 1 just off the Beltway, 
near the Univ of Maryland in College Park.

The 30X ground units referred to the helo as Flint, a known callsign used by 
DEA pilots/aircraft. Some of the units also referred to the helo as 350, 
possibly because the helo was an Eurocopter Ecureil 350 model. One of the DEA 
agents was the observer in the helo acting as an airborne surveillance unit.

As the operation migrated out into the College Park area Prince Georges 
County Police units were noted using this freq to interact with the DEA 
units. Once the buy went down and the target vehicle proceeded further into 
the College Park area the lead DEA unit advised the others that the PG Police 
units would take charge of the suspects once they were taken down.

Unfortunately I was only able to follow the action until about 2100 as the 
DEA and PG units were waiting for the suspects to come out of the apartment 
complex where they had gone after the buy was made.  Apparently the DEA and 
PG units were waiting for their CI to work his way clear of the suspects 
before they moved in. 

It was unusual to hear so much of the action taking place in the clear over 
this freq.  Especially when I heard several references to the units having, 
and apparently using, Nextel phones.

I scoured the local Air Traffic freqs for any references to the helo but came 
up empty and any further details on the helo. 

As I type this (2245 EST) there are still a couple of units up on this freq. 
I'm not sure if they are the same ones from earlier or if it's the same 
operation.  If it is they have sure been going a long time.

RON
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD (NEAR BWI)