MEDIA REACTION ON DRUG TRAFFICKING, JULY 16, 2003

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001696

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/PDA (JGREENBLATT); WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO PGOV IZ HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON DRUG TRAFFICKING, JULY 16, 2003



1. Article in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna" on
7/16 entitled "DEA searches for cocaine unloaded in Olancho".
"Agents of the DEA are participating in the search of the cocaine
that, according to police sources, was transported on the plane
that landed in San Esteban, Olancho a week ago."

"In this investigative and search task also participates the
Joint Information Center, main liaison of the DEA with Honduran
police authorities which provides information to US antinarcotics
authorities."


2. Article in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "La Prensa" on
7/16 entitled "British tourist finds cocaine in Utila". "While
walking on the Utila beaches, a British tourist found several
packages containing 50 kilos of cocaine last Monday."

"Antidrug police confirmed that the cocaine was `highly pure'. up
to this moment, no one has been arrested as suspect on this case,
and the police is still patrolling this region looking for
similar packages."


Palmer