COUNTER DRUG BRIGADE SHUTS DOWN TWO HCL LABS IN

UNCLAS BOGOTA 012769

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR INL AND WHA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR PTER MOPS CO
SUBJECT: COUNTER DRUG BRIGADE SHUTS DOWN TWO HCL LABS IN
GUAVIARE


1. (SBU) On November 26 and 27, elements of the Plan
Colombia-supported Counter Drug (CD) Brigade captured two
FARC cocaine hydrochloride (HCL) labs during Operation
Hurricane in Guaviare department.


2. (SBU) The first lab, in the Vaupes river/Miraflores area,
had two chemical recycling vats (marcianos) and 30 microwave
ovens. The lab had an estimated peak capacity of 10 metric
tons of cocaine HCL per month. At the second lab, which was
in the same general area, the CD Brigade captured chemicals
and equipment for processing and packaging cocaine HCL.


3. (SBU) Through analysis of the location and description of
the lab, CD Brigade Intelligence Officer determined that the
first captured lab had been identified in January, 2004. At
that time the informant was taken to the United States and
was not available to lead an assault on target. Another
informant subsequently led the CD Brigade to the lab.


4. (SBU) Thus far this year the CD Brigade has captured or
destroyed 10 cocaine HCL labs and seized 76 kgs of cocaine
HCL and 538 kgs of cocaine base.
WOOD