What must be done with the target phone number after a recorded call in a drug investigation?

After a recorded call in a drug investigation, it is essential to deconflict the target phone number in ICM (Intelligence Collection Management), DARTS (Drug and Alcohol Registry Tracking System), or DICE (Drug Investigation Case Entry) and submit it to the SOU (Sensitive Operations Unit). This procedure is crucial because it ensures that any relevant data about the phone number is integrated into broader investigative efforts and that other law enforcement agencies are aware of the potential correlation with existing investigations.

Deconfliction helps mitigate the risk of operational overlap and ensures that resources are efficiently used in ongoing cases. By submitting information to the SOU, agents can gain insights into the target's connections, ongoing operations, and any previous intelligence that may have been collected. This step enhances collaboration among agencies and contributes to the overall success of drug investigations.

In contrast, deleting the number or notifying the target would hinder the investigation process, as it would eliminate valuable intelligence and potentially alert the target. Storing the number in an unclassified database does not provide the structured deconfliction and data-sharing necessary for effectively leveraging such intelligence in ongoing operations.