NEWPORT BEACH : Copter Bought With Drug Money Debuts
Police unveiled a shiny new blue-and-white helicopter Thursday that was bought with money seized by drug investigators.
The McDonnell Douglas 500-E Series helicopter cost $600,000 and “basically depleted” the department’s seizure money, Newport Beach Police Chief Arb Campbell said.
But he was not complaining. “Acquiring another helicopter has been one of our priorities,” Campbell said.
The department already had two helicopters, one identical to the craft shown Thursday and a smaller 300 Series that will be retired, Campbell said.
The smaller helicopter has been used by the department for 19 years and had more than 27,000 flight hours.
The new helicopter can fly at speeds up to 175 m.p.h. and is outfitted with a 30-million-candlepower searchlight.
Unlike the helicopter it is replacing, the 500-E Series can perform rescues off roofs and drop off four officers at hard-to-reach locations.
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