REQUEST FOR FUNDING OF COUNTERDRUG (CD) DETECTION

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001616 SIPDIS SENSITIVE NEW DELHI FOR ICE LIAISON REP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MV SNAR SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR FUNDING OF COUNTERDRUG (CD) DETECTION AND MONITORING EQUIPMENT SUPPORT FOR MALDIVES CUSTOMS SERVICE ¶1. (SBU) The U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka request approval of $121,000 CD funds to be used in the acquisition of counterdrug detection and monitoring equipment for front-line Maldives Customs officers inspecting maritime conveyances. CD funds for equipment acquisition will enhance detection and monitoring efforts and contribute to the USPACOM Regional Maritime Security Initiative by enhancing partner nation law enforcement capabilities. ¶2. (SBU) USG contacts with the Maldives Government indicate it is concerned that its country may increasingly become a transhipment point for drug traffickers transitting the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean. The Maldives Government is sensitive to illicit drug issues and report that most drugs enter the country by sea. The trade may be linked to its 30,000 foreign workforce, mainly Indians and Sri Lankans. ¶3. (SBU) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) New Delhi, India Attach, having area responsibility for the Republic of Maldives, has identified CD equipment requirements that improve maritime law enforcement effectiveness within littoral waters of the Republic of Maldives. The GoRM provides important access for U.S. vessels and aircraft and is a strong supporter of U.S. efforts to combat terrorism. Maintaining strong relations with the GoRM is essential to U.S. security interests. All CD equipment use will be closely coordinated through the ICE Attach to ensure optimum CD maritime benefit. Both ICE and DEA Attachs have identified maritime CD detection and monitoring equipment as a priority request for the Maldives Customs Service. The ICE Attach will provide appropriate equipment training of Maldives Customs in conjunction with this request. All CD interdiction and seizure reporting will be shared with the U.S. Federal Law Enforcement. ¶4. (SBU) According to ICE/ New Delhi, DHS/ICE HQ, Foreign Operations concurs with this request for CD equipment funds via JIATF West ICE Liaison Representative SSA Scott Lawrence. ¶5. List of Detection and Monitoring Equipment to be acquired includes: Quantity Description Est. Price Remarks 3 Contraband Detection Kit 37,000 For vessels 3 Fiberoptic Scope Kit 21,000 5-ft cable 2 Buster Contraband Detector 10,000 Density device 1 Extension Probe Set 5,000 6 Laser Rangefinder 2,000 Measurements 6 Marine Radio Equipment 22,000 4 Personal Radiation Detectors 6,000 6 Magnifying Device Kit 7,000 Forensic Exams 3 Video/Micro Recorder Kit 4,000 4 Drug Field Test Kits 3,000 X Misc. Insp./Search Equipment and Associated Devices 4,000 TOTAL NOTIONAL COST: $ 121,000 ¶6. (SBU) Upon approval, AmEmbassy Sri Lanka requests JIATF West/J05 Direct Map Requirements directly to: AmEmbassy New Delhi, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - ICE Attach - James L. Dozier / American Center, New Delhi / Tel. 91-11-2331-0081 / Fax: 91-11-2331 8382, MIPR Remarks: Approval authority to be held for DHS/ICE Attach James L. Dozier. Request MIPR info copy to American Embassy Sri Lanka, Attn.: Dean Thompson. MIPR Purpose: CD Equipment Requirements for Maldives Customs. ¶7. (SBU) Direct all non-MIPR questions/responses to ICE Attach James L. Dozier at tel.: 011-91-11-2331 0081, Fax: 011-91-11-2331 8382 or Assistant ICE Attach Kevin Stephenson at tel.: 011-91-11-2331-0080. ¶8. (U) Info: U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka (Colombo) serves concurrently as the Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives. LUNSTEAD