Dragnet: The Big Bindle (EP4778)

Summary

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Bindle (EP4778)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode: Dragnet: The Big Bindle (EP4778)
• Release Date: August 14, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "The Big Bindle," listeners are transported back to the classic days of old-time radio detective dramas. Hosted by Adam Graham, this installment of Dragnet delves into the intricate world of narcotics investigation, showcasing the meticulous methods of Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, as they navigate the underbelly of Los Angeles to dismantle a high-grade heroin distribution ring.

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Main Plot

1. Investigation Begins

The episode kicks off with Sergeant Joe Friday and Detective Ben Romero from the narcotics division receiving information about Monty Wilkins, a recent narcotics offender believed to be central to a burgeoning heroin distribution network. The narrative sets the scene on a foggy and rainy Tuesday morning, emphasizing the city's gritty backdrop.

Joe Friday [03:13]: "The story you're about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

2. Interrogation of Monty Wilkins

Friday and Romero arrive at the main jail felony section to interrogate Monty Wilkins. Through a strategic questioning sequence, they extract crucial information about the source and quality of the heroin being distributed.

Ben Romero [03:32]: "We want to see Monty Wilkins. Booked in last night on narcotics booking numbers 906351."

Joe Friday [05:34]: "How long you been on the stuff this time?"

Monty Wilkins [05:47]: "About 2 caps a day. When you were picked up down in Slauson last night, you had seven caps on you."

Monty reveals that the heroin isn't of the usual Mexican variety but suggests it might be coming from the East Coast, indicating a more sophisticated and high-quality source. This revelation points the detectives towards the Plaza Royal Hotel as a central hub for the narcotics operation.

3. Planning the Undercover Operation

Realizing the need for a more direct approach, Friday and Romero devise an undercover strategy to infiltrate the Plaza Royal Hotel. They decide to pose as narcotics buyers, adopting the identities of Joe Edwards and his partner.

Joe Friday [10:27]: "You're a local Phoenix hoodlum. Things got too hot for you down there and you came up to LA to cool off. How about Joe Edwards?"

4. Infiltrating the Plaza Royal Hotel

Romero meticulously prepares for his undercover role by obtaining forged identification, clothing, and even a bindle disguised to carry narcotics. His departure to Phoenix marks the beginning of the operation to stake out the hotel.

Ben Romero [13:10]: "I think I helped you quite a bit, haven't I?"

Upon arrival at the Plaza Royal Hotel, Romero checks in under his assumed name, making initial contacts and subtly probing for connections to the narcotics ring. Over the following days, he builds rapport with key figures, including Kirk Harding and Horace L. Smith, while keeping his true identity concealed.

5. The Confrontation

As the operation progresses, tension mounts leading to a climactic encounter in the hotel bar. Recognizing Kirk Harding's suspicious behavior, Friday and Romero move in to apprehend the criminals during what appears to be a planned drug transaction.

Joe Friday [26:56]: "Freeze, mister."

A brief scuffle ensues, resulting in the arrest of Harding and Smith. The operation concludes successfully with the capture of Lucille Cosgrove, who played a pivotal role in the distribution network.

6. Resolution and Convictions

The episode culminates with a courtroom scene where the arrested individuals face trial. All three suspects are convicted for violation of state narcotics laws, with Harding and Smith also receiving convictions for attempted murder.

Narrator [27:13]: "The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. On January 4, trial was held in Superior Court..."

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

• Interrogation Insights:

  Joe Friday [06:02]: "It's good stuff. It's not Mexican. We know that, Monty."

• Undercover Preparation:

  Ben Romero [12:33]: "I went home and removed all Los Angeles labels from the clothing that I was to take with me to Phoenix, Arizona."

• Confrontation:

  Joe Friday [26:56]: "Freeze, mister."

• Courtroom Outcome:

  Narrator [27:13]: "All three suspects, Kirk Arthur Harding, Horace L. Smith and Lucille Marie Cosgrove, were convicted for violation of a state narcotics act, a felony."

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Conclusion

"The Big Bindle" exemplifies the classic detective narrative, highlighting the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement officers. Through strategic planning, undercover operations, and unwavering determination, Joe Friday and Ben Romero successfully dismantle a sophisticated heroin distribution network. The episode not only entertains but also underscores the complexities and dangers inherent in narcotics investigations.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the meticulous nature of police work and the moral imperatives that drive detectives to confront and overcome organized crime. The seamless blend of suspense, character development, and procedural accuracy makes this episode a standout in the Dragnet series.

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This summary captures the essence of the "Dragnet: The Big Bindle" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the original broadcast.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

If you work as a manufacturing facilities.

[Ben Romero]

Engineer, installing a new piece of equipment.

[Joe Friday]

Can be as complex as the machinery itself. From prep work to alignment and testing, it's your team's job to put it all together.

[Ben Romero]

That's why it's good to have Grainger on your side.

[Joe Friday]

With industrial grade products and next day delivery, Grainger helps ensure you have everything you need close at hand through every.

[Ben Romero]

Step of the installation. Call 1-800-GRAINGER, click grainger.com or just stop.

[Joe Friday]

By Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 1591. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. I want to thank Robert Wayne and Carolyn for supporting the program that way. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetactives.net now from May 31, 1951, here is the Big Bendle.

[Joe Friday]

The story you're about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to narcotics detail. You receive information that one of your city's most fashionable hotels is being used as the clearinghouse for high grade heroin. Evidence points to a narcotics ring, the center of distribution. Your job. Break it Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Ben Romero]

It was Tuesday, October 5th. It was foggy and rainy in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of narcotics division. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Kearney. My name's Friday. It was 8:47am when we got to 401 North Avenue 19, the main jail felony section.

[Joe Friday]

Morning, fellas. How are you today, Pete?

[Ben Romero]

Morning.

[Joe Friday]

What brings you up here so early?

[Ben Romero]

We want to see Monty Wilkins. Booked in last night on narcotics booking numbers 906351.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, let me look.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Here it is. He's in 103. Thank you, Pete. I'll put it in the book. Here, Joe, here's my gun. You want to check it with your.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, right.

[Joe Friday]

I'll put them away.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Pete.

[Joe Friday]

Did you check.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you, Pete. All set, Ben.

[Joe Friday]

906351.

[Ben Romero]

That's it.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, let's go. All right, all right. We want to talk to Monty Wilkins. Season 103. All right, we'll get him. Monty Wilkins, one of three for interview. Hello, Friday. Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, Monty. Better move out of the way there. He wants to lock that door. Monty.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah. Let's go around the corner to the interview room. Monty. All right. Man, this is awful.

[Ben Romero]

What's the matter? Don't you feel good?

[Joe Friday]

I feel awful.

[Ben Romero]

Pretty sick.

[Joe Friday]

You look bad. I'll get the light.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Ben. Sit down, Monty.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, thanks. It's been about a year and a half, hasn't it, Monty? About that long. Yeah. We got you for possession that time, too, didn't we? Yeah, that's right.

[Ben Romero]

How long you been on the stuff this time?

[Joe Friday]

I guess I've been hooked bad about a month.

[Ben Romero]

How much you shooting?

[Joe Friday]

About 2 caps a day. When you were picked up down in Slauson last night, you had seven caps on you. Yeah, that's right.

[Ben Romero]

We checked with the crime lab. They've run the stuff. It's not the usual Mexican, is it?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Ben Romero]

You want to tell us about it?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. It's good stuff. It's not Mexican. We know that, Monty. Where'd you get it? Haven't had anything like that for a long time. Real good. Hadn't been cut real fine. Maybe it's coming in from the East Coast. Can't get nothing like that from Mexico.

[Ben Romero]

Now, look, Monty, we ran this stuff through the lab. We know it's high grade heroin. We know all about it. Now I want you to tell us where you've been getting it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you know how it is. You want to ask the impossible of me? My life wouldn't be worth a penny. You know how it is. We handled you a year and a half ago, didn't we, Monty? Yeah. You're still around, aren't you? Yeah. I did time, though. You knew that going in. You're gonna do time this trip, too.

[Ben Romero]

So don't shoot us. That line, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Well, you guys know how it is with us guys. I can't tell you anything.

[Ben Romero]

No, it isn't that you can't. You just don't want to. Now, look, we didn't come up here to spend the time of day with you, Wilkins. This is the only time around. If you want to help us, you can help yourself. At the same time, it's up to you.

[Joe Friday]

You mean you can clear me on this? You can give me a break?

[Ben Romero]

We didn't say that.

[Joe Friday]

We can't make any promises to you or give you any kind of a break. It's entirely up to you. How you want us to put it down in our reports. Cooperative or uncooperative? Okay, you squared with me last time.

[Ben Romero]

You helped us, last time we made a case.

[Joe Friday]

But I'm not gonna be able to help you very much.

[Ben Romero]

Where you been getting it?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I've only made a couple of buys on that good stuff. I just got it from some old mule I just happened to meet down there. Seemed to be pretty well loaded with this stuff. Where'd you meet him? Oh, down near 5th and Springs somewhere. What's his name? I never did know his name. I just knew that he was pushing the stuff. Some old mule, that's all.

[Ben Romero]

Who's he pushing it for now?

[Joe Friday]

You know, they never tell us guys where they're getting it. You know how they do. Yeah, I never did talk to him very much. I did hear him say once he was getting his stuff from a new bunch of guys from the East. Said they were really going to open up this town. Way he talked, they're no small time operators. I got enough out of it to know they're working out of the Plaza Royal Hotel. Never figured that, would you? Anything else, Any names mentioned? Yeah, I remember this old mule mentioned a couple names. I think he talked about somebody named Kirk and another guy called Smith. You understand this guy was just talking. I don't know how they fit in or what the connections are.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, we understand. Where can we get ahold of this old mule?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know where he's at.

[Ben Romero]

How do you get ahold of him when you want to make a buy?

[Joe Friday]

I just run into him, that's all. Down around Spring Street. You know, just around. Last time I was down, I couldn't find it. Is that all of it, Marty? That all you can tell us? Well, I don't know too much anyway. You know how it is. I couldn't tell you anymore. It's all I know.

[Ben Romero]

All right, let's get on to this 510. If that's all you got.

[Joe Friday]

That's everything I got. Hope you fellas will write me up. Okay. I think I helped you quite a bit, haven't I? One of the best hotels in town, Plaza Royal. Never would have figured that, would you? Maybe I've told you quite a lot. The rest ought to be easy.

[Ben Romero]

No, you're wrong there, Marty.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Ben Romero]

You haven't told us the name of your mule. You haven't told us where we could find him. You haven't made it so easy.

[Joe Friday]

That's all I have. I told you a lot.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, there's a lot you didn't tell. We continued our interrogation of Marty Wilkins. He refused to divulge any further information. What he had told us, together with information already compiled, seemed to check out. For the past seven months, we'd been trying to localize the operations of what had come to be regarded as a well running distribution center for high grade heroin. We knew of the existence of this distribution point through the various users that had been picked up almost daily. These users would have in their possession quantities of high grade narcotics. Unlike the cheaper, lower grade quality common in the southwest part of the country, this type of heroin was more common to the eastern section of the United States. We had believed the local distribution point to be somewhere in our metropolitan downtown area. The information gained from Marty Wilkins had Strengthened this theory. 10:25am we met with Francis Kearney, Captain of the Narcotics Division.

[Joe Friday]

Plaza Royal Hotel. What do you think? Well, we figured what we were looking for could be in that area, but we've never put our finger on that hotel. How do you figure on working there?

[Ben Romero]

While driving back from the jail, Ben and I were just kicking it around. Skipper, what do you think about putting a man in that hotel?

[Joe Friday]

Anything's a great deal better than we're doing now, but I don't know.

[Ben Romero]

Well, I'd like to give it a try.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sure like a crack at a skipper. You know how I feel about these kind of assignments. One man working inside, one outside brings the element of danger up kind of high.

[Ben Romero]

Well, we know it's not gonna be easy, but it looks like a good bet.

[Joe Friday]

Sometimes these things are, sometimes they're not. You know what kind of a bunch they gotta be. Been running their racket just about as smooth as it can be run. You know, the kind of a risk a man would have to take if he tried to make contact with any of them.

[Ben Romero]

Well, we think it's about the quickest way to get to him.

[Joe Friday]

Well, maybe it might be worth it. You got any ideas how you'd like to work it? Just one thing. We haven't come to any decision. Who's going in and who isn't?

[Ben Romero]

Well, I think I ought to be the one to work it from the inside of the hotel. With Ben working outside as a contact.

[Joe Friday]

I don't know why we can't just turn that around. Last time you had the rough end, Joe, you just got back from your vacation about three weeks ago, didn't you?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Didn't you stay down in Arizona? Phoenix, wasn't it?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You know the town very well.

[Ben Romero]

We got some relatives down there. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

If they started asking you any questions about Phoenix, you could fill them in.

[Ben Romero]

I think so.

[Joe Friday]

That's probably the best way to settle it. Romero Friday here will be in a better position knowing a little about Phoenix. I don't see how you figure it that way. I went on my vacation, too. Columbus, Ohio. Well, because of the type of stuff that's been coming in, don't you think it'd be a little safer bet to have our man come from somewhere out this way rather than from the East? Yeah, it makes sense. Well, you did it again, Joe. You beat me out. All right, let's figure it this way. You're a local Phoenix hoodlum. Things got too hot for you down there and you came up to LA to cool off. How about Joe Edwards? How's that sound?

[Ben Romero]

Sounds right to me.

[Joe Friday]

We'll get all the necessary cards, identification papers, and a few letters to carry around with you. All under the name Joe Edwards.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

I think the best way to work it is for you to hop right down to Phoenix. When you get in town, check with Roberts. He's in Narcotics down there.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I know him.

[Joe Friday]

Have Roberts fill you in on what's been going on down there. Any of their current characters they've handled recently. Any that have been known to pass through. You know, so you can talk about it freely.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I understand.

[Joe Friday]

Joe, when you check into the hotel down there, why don't you wire head up here to the Plaza Royal for reservation. Might be a good cover. Good thought. That's the way to handle it. You two have worked these things before. You know what to do, all the necessary precautions.

[Ben Romero]

Well, how long do you figure out a layover in Phoenix?

[Joe Friday]

A couple days, maybe. Think that's long enough for you to get filled in what you need?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah, that's fine. Well, I'll go home and get packed. I'll start on it first thing in the morning.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Romero will stand by at all times, day and night, while you're on this thing. You know enough to call if things get Tight?

[Ben Romero]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

As soon as you get in from Phoenix and get located at the Plaza Royal, get in touch. So we'll know which way to move.

[Ben Romero]

Right. Anything else?

[Joe Friday]

No. We want to break this thing, but we don't want to do it at the risk of a life. So if it's starts getting warm, check out okay. I still don't like sending anybody on something like this, but it's got to be done. We don't know enough about it. We don't know how many are in the gang. We don't know what kind of a bunch they are. So be careful.

[Ben Romero]

I will.

[Joe Friday]

If you're not and I hear about it, this will be your last assignment like this.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

If I don't hear about it, well, you figure it.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Either way, I lose. I went over to the photo room at the crime lab and picked up the identification papers that had been made out in the name of Joe Edwards. I went home and removed all Los Angeles labels from the clothing that I was to take with me to Phoenix, Arizona. I removed all my personal identification and Los Angeles Police Department credentials. I left my service revolver home and borrowed a.38 automatic from Ben. I packed it in my suitcase. The crime lab also furnished me with a package or a bindle made to resemble the usual form in which a person would carry heroin. I packed this in my suitcase. Before my departure, Ben and I went over the proposed plan as best we could. I was to arrive from Phoenix under the assumed name of Joe Edwards. I would register at the Plaza Royal Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and attempt to make arrangements to participate in a narcotics buy for the purpose of gaining sufficient evidence to apprehend the narcotics ring. I was to keep Ben informed as best I could of my progress as outlined by Captain Kearney. I arrived in Phoenix and contacted Sergeant Roberts at the detective bureau down there. He furnished me with all the necessary information and assisted me in acquiring local Phoenix clothing store labels to have sewn in my clothing. I obtained everything possible to make it appear that I was a longtime resident of Phoenix, Arizona. Several dummy hotel bills were made up for me to make it look as if I'd lived there for a period of time. I was furnished with an Arizona driver's license, a membership in the local social club and a voters registration stub. These were all packed in my suitcase. October 9, 10am I arrived at the Plaza Royal Hotel. The front desk.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Romero]

My name's Edwards. I'm in from Phoenix. Did you get my wire?

[Joe Friday]

One moment, sir. Yes, sir. Joe Edwards?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Would you sign the register, please?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. All right.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, but.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Would you show this Gentleman A room, 211, please? Yes, sir. This way, please.

[Ben Romero]

All right. Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

Go ahead, sir.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

Two, please. Not very nice weather to arrive in Los Angeles, is it, sir?

[Ben Romero]

No, not too good.

[Joe Friday]

I see by the stickers on your bags you've been through Arizona.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Must be nice weather down there, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, it's all right.

[Joe Friday]

This way, sir.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

Let me open a window for you, sir. A little fresh air in here.

[Ben Romero]

All right. Okay, thanks. Here you go.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you very much, sir. Help you with your bags?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, all right.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, I'm sorry, sir. Something dropped out on the floor here.

[Ben Romero]

You better let me have that.

[Joe Friday]

Sorry. Very sorry that happened.

[Ben Romero]

That's all right.

[Joe Friday]

Mr. Edwards. While you're in town here, if there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to let me know.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, okay.

[Joe Friday]

I couldn't help but notice that little package there that I dropped. Yeah, well, like I say, I know my way around here in this town. If you need anything, you know, anything at all, sir.

[Ben Romero]

I tell you what. Now, here's five bucks. You never saw anything fall out of my bag there, right?

[Joe Friday]

Anything you say, sir.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, thanks a lot. See you later, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Anything else, sir?

[Ben Romero]

No, no, that'll be.

[Joe Friday]

You. Remember what I told you, sir?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I was just gonna say the same thing to you. I couldn't be sure, but it looked like I'd been lucky right from the start. The bellboy at the Plaza Royal Hotel. I didn't know if I could consider this an opening contact or not, but he seemed to show more than a passing interest in the bindle of narcotics that he had seen fall from my suitcase. I didn't feel it was the right time to press the issue any further with a bellhop, but I figured I'd wait and leave the next move up to whoever he might have been working for. During the next three days, nothing happened. I tried, without appearing to be too bold, to arouse some interest, but without success. October 13, my fifth day at the Plaza Royal Hotel, 6pm I went in the bar off the main lobby.

[Joe Friday]

I beg your pardon? Yeah, Kirk Harding's my name. I noticed you here in the bar the last couple of nights. You up here to buy a little or you selling?

[Ben Romero]

Don't believe I follow you, Harding.

[Joe Friday]

Look, boy, we've had you tabbed since that first day you hit town. October 9th. We haven't been out here too long ourselves. We're in business, too. Same business you're in.

[Ben Romero]

I don't know what kind of business you think I'm in, but you got it figured wrong, mister.

[Joe Friday]

You know, this entire matter would work out much better for you in the long run if you'd level with me. You're just gonna make it tough on yourself this way.

[Ben Romero]

But I'm sorry, you lost me way back somewhere.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's do it the hard way. You're up here from Phoenix. We know you've got some stuff with you. We know you're not a user. You're a member of the social club down there. You're a registered voter.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, you've been working real hard, haven't you?

[Joe Friday]

Well, there's more. You got two pieces of luggage. You're carrying a.38 automatic anymore? Yeah, it was telegram from a friend of mine down in Phoenix. Yeah, we know all about you, mister. You are listening to Dragnet Authentic cases from official police files.

[Ben Romero]

It was a tight moment as Kirk Harding fingered the telegram in the bar of the Plaza Royal Hotel. I'd spent many hours in consultation with Sergeant Roberts in Phoenix, Arizona, before undertaking this assignment. I felt sure that we hadn't overlooked anything that might lead to my true identity. Kirk Harding. Read the wire to me. It was from a man by the name of George Ferguson. He'd done some legwork for Harding and had not been able to furnish him with anything other than what had been found out. In going over my room, I knew I'd found the contact that I was looking for. I told him that I was in the business of buying narcotics, that I was in Los Angeles for the purpose of making a prearranged narcotics buy with agents dealing in Mexican stuff. Harding immediately gave me a strong sales pitch, saying that he could furnish me with high grade heroin fresh from the European market in quantity. At the end of the first week, I was introduced to Kirk Harding's two associates. Another man called Smith, full name Horace L. Smith, and a woman by the name of Lucille Cosgrove. Ben had been unable to find records on any of the three. For the next three weeks, we became more friendly. We went places together, spent a great deal of time together. Monday, November 15th.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we had a lot of fun the last few weeks, haven't we?

[Ben Romero]

There's no doubt about that. But I gotta be getting back to Phoenix.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now, don't get eager, Joe. You know how cagey you were. You made us wait. Preliminaries are over. This is the big buy for you or anybody else.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I know all that. But when?

[Joe Friday]

Just be patient. You'll have something to really set yourself up with.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Excuse me, Joe.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, hi, Lucille. Hi. Hi. Hello, sir.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, Alucille. What's the matter, Smith?

[Joe Friday]

Don't you feel good? I don't know. It's hotel food, I guess. I think I got an ulcer. My stomach's sore all the time.

[Ben Romero]

Well, that's too bad.

[Joe Friday]

I don't know what it could be. Baking soda don't do any good anymore. How about a drink, Joe?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, fine with me.

[Joe Friday]

Well, sir, do you want to get some ice out of the kitchen, please?

[Ben Romero]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

Skip me. Smith, you ought to go see a doctor. You don't know for sure what's wrong with you. You might make it worse. If I don't know what it is, how could a doctor. I don't know. It works for everybody else. Might for you. Hey, I can't get this eye spray out. Joe, would you give me a hand, please?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, sure. Okay. Which one?

[Joe Friday]

Here, I got the ice. Keep working on that other tray there. I have something to tell you.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Listen, Joe, big buys tonight.

[Ben Romero]

You sure?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. How about it, you two? You need any help?

[Ben Romero]

No, it's all right, Kirk. It's come along fine.

[Joe Friday]

Joe, as soon as you show your money tonight, they're gonna kill you.

[Ben Romero]

How do you know?

[Joe Friday]

Look, we don't have time to go into it. I know. You won't have a chance. They're gonna kill you. What are you doing? Waiting for them to freeze. Come on. How about the ice cream?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, they're right here, Kirk. I'm sorry.

[Joe Friday]

Let's go.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. What do you want, Lucille? Joe, Coke high. Sorry.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I'll make mine bourbon. A little water.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Smith. You sure you don't want one? No. Can't do it, Joe, Before I mix them, I got something for you. Yeah? Smith tells me tonight's the night.

[Ben Romero]

Well, that's good, but why don't you tell me a little ahead of time? I got a date for tonight.

[Joe Friday]

I think you better break that one and keep this one, don't you? Well, yeah, I do, but.

[Ben Romero]

Just wish you'd have told me a little sooner.

[Joe Friday]

There's the phone. You can take care of it.

[Ben Romero]

Is it all right with you?

[Joe Friday]

You know as much about this business as we do. Go ahead and use it as long as we can hear you okay?

[Ben Romero]

Fine. Just take a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Want to sit here, Joe?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, thanks, Smith. Yeah. See, I wonder if you get my drink for me over there.

[Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Ben Romero]

She's probably Going to be upset. I may need it. Hu.

[Joe Friday]

Romero talking.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, honey. This is Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, Joe.

[Ben Romero]

I'm sorry I won't be able to make it tonight, dear.

[Joe Friday]

You can't talk, huh?

[Ben Romero]

That's right, dear. No, I just can't get out of it.

[Joe Friday]

I'll do the talking. Shows abiding night.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, well, it just came up all of a sudden. Where?

[Joe Friday]

Do you know?

[Ben Romero]

No, darling, I can't tell you where I'm going. You couldn't go along anyway.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, we'll be with you five minutes from now. All the way. Why are you not the hotel?

[Ben Romero]

Well, that's the way it is and I can't help it, that's all. Maybe we can get together later, huh?

[Joe Friday]

We'll use one car. Joe, we'll stick as close as we can to you. One car ought to be safe, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Well, it's better, honey. Now, that's the way I like to hear you talk. I'm sorry. I'll see you later, huh?

[Joe Friday]

We'll be waiting.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, dear.

[Joe Friday]

She still love you?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, she loves me. Fifteen minutes after I hung up, we went downstairs and got into a green Chrysler sedan that was parked out in front of the hotel. I looked around. I didn't see Ben or any of our cars in sight. Smith drove, and Kirk and I got in the back seat. The woman, Lucille Cosgrove, remained at the hotel. I didn't know which of the two men was planning to kill me, but I felt sure Lucille Cosgrove told me the truth. Her information on the buy was right, and maybe this other was correct as well. We drove out Figueroa street for about 16 miles. At this point, it became evident we were heading for the Los Angeles harbor area.

[Joe Friday]

You ever see a fog as thick as this, Jill?

[Ben Romero]

No, I never have.

[Joe Friday]

Can't see 50ft in front of me.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, well, just take it easy. Nobody's in a hurry.

[Joe Friday]

That's right. I want to pile up anywhere.

[Ben Romero]

Where are we going?

[Joe Friday]

We're almost there.

[Ben Romero]

This your car here? I've never seen this one before.

[Joe Friday]

No, we rented it. Isn't that the way you operate?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right. Just wondered if you played it as safe as I do.

[Joe Friday]

Me, too. I'm gonna swing in this next alley up here. Kirk, somebody tailing us. Kill your lights. Right. See anything out the back window. Wait a minute. There they go. How'd it look? Two guys in the front seat. Could have been somebody. What do you think, Gerard? Look to you?

[Ben Romero]

Well, whoever it was, we lost him anyway.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Okay, let's Go look at that clear spot here in the fog. Don't see your soul anywhere. That's fine.

[Ben Romero]

We almost there now?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, just around the corner. This is a break, isn't it? Fog's clear. Right in here. All socked in. Back up there. We're as safe as you'd want to be, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

This is it. Over by the storage building? Yeah, that's right. Come on, let's go over this way.

[Ben Romero]

Joe, what's over there in that building?

[Joe Friday]

We're not going inside. Just over there in that alcove. All right? This is Joe. I'd see the money.

[Ben Romero]

Well, wait till I see the stuff, huh?

[Joe Friday]

You don't trust anybody, do you? What are you trying to prove?

[Ben Romero]

Well, I didn't like what he said.

[Joe Friday]

You're not gonna like what I got to say, either. Freeze, mister.

[Ben Romero]

Watch it, Ben. He ducked in this alcove.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Oh.

[Joe Friday]

Take care of that one there. All right, easy, huh? Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

You see him? No, it's too dark. There he is.

[Joe Friday]

Coming on. All right.

[Ben Romero]

Throw your gun out ahead of you.

[Joe Friday]

He's not gonna throw that gun out. Joe. Watch it.

[Ben Romero]

Come on. There's his gun. Yeah, I. I got it. You want to shake him down? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. On your feet. Where'd you get hit?

[Joe Friday]

I showed. Let me see. You all right? Just graze you. You're a cop, aren't you?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right. Now come on, let's go.

[Joe Friday]

Where's this stuff? Another back seat in my car. Now you tell me something. Why'd you slug Smith?

[Ben Romero]

I just wanted something I knew you'd never give me.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Ben Romero]

An even ch.

[Joe Friday]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. On January 4, trial was held in Superior Court Department 81, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. All three suspects, Kirk Arthur Harding, Horace L. Smith and Lucille Marie Cosgrove, were convicted for violation of a state narcotics act, a felony. Harding and Smith were convicted on one count of attempt to commit murder. They are now serving their terms as prescribed by law in the state penitentiaries. You have just heard Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department. Stay tuned for Counter Spy next over most NBC stations.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I love the undercover cases, and I think that Joe Friday did a very good job being believably cagey, still doing what he had to do to get the job done. Then, of course, it did lead to an exciting end and a little bit of suspense. Now, some of you might scoff at Ben Romero's vacation Columbus, Ohio. But as my wife was born in Columbus, I'm required to say that it is a wonderful vacation spot. And seriously, Columbus Zoo is absolutely great, one of the top zoos in the country. In addition, it's very well possible since Romero had kids, that they may have driven over to Cedar Point, which is one of the largest amusement parks in the country and certainly had a great reputation. And this was before you had all of the theme parks in Southern California. Of course, from my reading, it wasn't necessarily at its best in the immediate post war era with some issues at the park that would be resolved, but nevertheless a great place to visit these days. Now I did actually get a comment on the first run through of the Big Bendel from Mechanic6682 who writes, Lucille saved a cop's life and got no break. Well, first of all, I would contend we don't know if she got a break. We're told the sentence was as prescribed by law, and we don't really know if there was any sort of leniency in the sentencing. And certainly this type of thing also could come up in a parole case. And also, she didn't know she was saving a cop's life. She thought she was saving a drug dealer's life and may have contributed to the survival of a police officer in totally incidental fashion. I mean, if it had been a case where Joe had actually been a drug dealer and the police had put onto this another way and caught the criminals, would you expect a lighter sentence because she tried to save a fellow criminal? Oh, the position is this is a great injustice because she accidentally saved a police officer while trying to save a fellow narcotics criminal. And I think saved his life might be a bit of an overstatement. Regardless of whether Joe thought he was going to be killed or not, and he didn't even have the chance to reveal that aspect of it when he called Ben Romero, the police were still going to be there at the scene of the drug buy. And even without the warning, this is Joe Friday. He's not some babe in the woods. He knows that when it comes to making drug deals that this is not something that's unheard of with drug dealers to do. So I'd say there's a strong chance that he gets out of there alive anyway. But I'll allow that maybe being a tad more prepared might have made that sort of split second difference. So the information she provided in order to save a fellow drug felon from being killed might have provided some marginal advantage for an undercover police officer that might have possibly potentially made the difference between life and death. I don't think it would be the worst thing in the world for a court to cut her a little bit of slack in the sentencing, as much as the law might allow at that time. I think it might be a slight overstatement of the value and the moral worth of this very unintentional good turn to the police now onto some other listener comments and feedback. And we have this from Rob, who in his along with the check he sent for donation rights Dear Mr. Graham, thank you for your work with the podcast. I listened to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio and just started listening to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio podcasts. Thank you for cross posting them so I knew they exist. I enjoy the additional information you include about the actors, the show history, etc. That really sets it apart. And he also took our listener survey and I appreciate that. And thanks so much for the feedback, Rob. And your comment about appreciating the cross posting gives me some food for thought about how we promote the other podcast projects here on Great Detectives because I think that we have podcasts on the amazing world of radio and even some of the older ones like Old Time Radio, Superman and the War that would be of interest to more listeners than we currently rate. Again, thanks so much for the comment. And we have Another comment from Mechanic6682. This one comes regarding episode 4768, the Big Blast. As to your comment about not having a warrant to search the shooter's house, this is the thing I often comment about on Dragnet. However, the guy was on parole I think, and police don't need a warrant as it is a condition of parole. That being said, technically they are supposed to have the parole officer present. Good catch. And being on parole definitely raises issues and kind of changes the equation. My limited research into the subject is that it varies in some cases depending on the jurisdiction and the exact terms. The parole officer doesn't even need to be present, just informed. And we also have to keep in mind that they were operating under the case law as it existed in 1951 or whenever the case was originally handled. So that might be one case where a warrant was not the issue. Regarding the big case scene, Harrison takes a little bit of an issue with Lee Jones statement. You have to feel good about Letting a man that probably did couldn't help his wife's mental condition by always arguing with her for years and feel good, it's only a suicide and not a murder. I mean, I guessly. Ha. Well, his statement about you have to feel good has to be seen, I think, in light of the fact that Friday and Romero put themselves so out on a limb and being certain that he was guilty and going with these big allegations. I think he was saying, in essence, the end result is the job was done, the truth came out, and we didn't have to go through all of the things that come with prosecuting someone and having to go through all of that and to take this man's life away from him, whether that's through the death penalty or from life in prison. It was a good thing they found the truth and are able to clear someone who didn't commit the crime. Admittedly, the husband is not a particularly sympathetic character, particularly to modern listeners, and I think with good reason, if he ever asked. The Spouse of the Year award nomination was not lost in the mail, but judging what happened in their marriage and the whole psychology of it is kind of beyond their remit. It's a question of legal responsibility, which he did not have. Now, though, it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Robert, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Robert's been one of our Patreon supporters since March of 2019. Thanks so much for your support, and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you're downloading us from. We will be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Joe Friday]

Where just what are you doing in the insurance business? Look, you remember back in New York, just before Tom Dewey took over as DA The Great Holy Racket Buster? Yeah, and I'm sure you do okay. Well, I was just a young punk then, but I was a bright one.

[Ben Romero]

Ambitious, you know, Finished up my high school, started taking law.

[Joe Friday]

You studied law? Why not? I could have cleaned up, you know, mouthpiece for some of the mob, some.

[Ben Romero]

Of the boys I knocked around with.

[Joe Friday]

But then Dewey came along, broke up.

[Ben Romero]

The racket, so I gave it up.

[Joe Friday]

To do what, Joe? Oh, you know, this and that. Chicago for a while with some of the boys Al Capone left behind. And down near the border at San Diego for a while smuggling narcotics across from Mexico. Then some of us tried Las Vegas.

[Ben Romero]

We didn't get any.

[Joe Friday]

What was that crack? Well, listen, I'm clean.

[Ben Romero]

Make it crack like that, you can prove it.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, if you can't, don't say it.

[Ben Romero]

You were telling me how you got into the insurance business.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Where I'm taking you on this case.

[Ben Romero]

Don't talk like that.

[Joe Friday]

The gents I deal with don't like it.

[Ben Romero]

And don't forget, whatever you think about them, you could also be wrong.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, Joe, Two kinds are wrong. Dollar just plain wrong and dead wrong.

[Ben Romero]

You see what I mean?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.