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