Radar Detector

An undercover police purchase of $25,000 worth of cocaine in Aberdeen led to the arrest Monday of five persons suspected of operating a major narcotics ring in Harford.Authorities said they arranged forthe purchase of a half-kilogram of cocaine by an undercover agent atthe parking lot of the Sheraton Inn in Aberdeen. Four men and one woman were arrested and charged with drug distribution.Being held in lieu of $200,000 bond each at the Harford County Detention Center were Armando L. Mercado, 29, and Richard Perez, 27, both of Wilmington, Del.; and Angel J. Garcia, 24, Alberto Betancourt, 44, and Mary T. Capell, 26, all of Philadelphia.

If you've got a $200 radar detector in your car and you think you'resafe from traffic cops, then you haven't been hit by a laser beam yet.The latest road weapon against speeding motorists is a laser gun, and county police are one of three Maryland police departments whoare giving the device a trial run pending approval from the courts."

Crimes that county police agencies said they investigated last week include:Abingdon2600 block Merrick Way: A $600 diamond ring set was stolen from ahouse July 15, the county Sheriff's Office said.Bel AirIdlewild Road: A $300 bicycle was stolen from outside a house July 17, town police said.Bel Air High School: A $400 bicycle was stolen July19, town police said.600 block Lochern Terrace: A briefcase, radar detector and pocket belt, worth a total of $360, were stolen from a car July 13, state police at Benson said.