POSSIBLE EXPLOSIVES DETECTED IN NASSAU

C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000775 SIPDIS DS/ICI/PII, DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/WHA E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/22/2015 TAGS: ASEC PTER SUBJECT: POSSIBLE EXPLOSIVES DETECTED IN NASSAU REF: TELCON BETWEEN ACTING RSO DAVID J. HAZARIAN AND DS/IP/WHA SA BRIAN COOK Classified By: ACTING RSO DAVID J. HAZARIAN 1.5 (G) ¶1. (U) On April 22, 2005 at 0515 hours, Embassy/Nassau local guard conducted three random swipes of two trailers parked outside the McDonalds Restaurant, located approximately 45 feet from the entrance to Embassy. The trailers are utilized by McDonalds Restaurant to store food and supplies and are routinely swiped by local guards. The swab samples from the trailers were entered into the Itemiser, indicating positive readings for TNT, HMX and NITRO. The Itemiser was re-calibrated and a second set of swipes was conducted, again, indicating positive readings for TNT, HMX and NITRO. At this time the Marine Security Guard on duty in Post One was notified. Post One immediately contacted Acting RSO David ¶J. Hazarian, who instructed Post One to react the Marine Security Detachment, clear the Embassy of all personnel and contact Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Witajewski and the Royal Bahamian Police Force. These actions were taken to as part of the investigative process to determine if there was a credible threat. At the conclusion of the investigation it was determined there was no threat. ¶2. (U) At 0530 hours, Acting RSO and the Marine Security Guard Detachment arrived on the scene and cleared the Embassy of all personnel. ¶3. (U) At 0600 hours, the Royal Bahamian Police Force and Bomb Squad responded and the Acting RSO instructed them to establish a perimeter and begin conducting a search of the trailers. Upon guidance the Police established a perimeter, which entailed shutting down a street containing high volumes of traffic. Acting RSO instructed Bomb Technicians to conduct interior swipes of the trailers which were negative. Additionally, random boxes contained inside the trailers were opened and searched with negative results. ¶4. (U) At 0720 hours, a bomb dog arrived on scene and another sweep of the trailers both inside and out was conducted with negative results. ¶5. (U) At 0750 hours, an all clear was sounded. ¶6. (U) It was later determined the trailers used to transport food to McDonalds are used indiscriminately for other purposes including the possible transportation of explosives. ¶7. (SBU) It should be noted in dealing with this situation the Royal Bahamas Police Force was very responsive however, they lacked necessary personnel, knowledge, training and equipment. ¶8. (SBU) The Embassy is currently located in a highly concentrated area with little to no set back. Having two trailers constantly stationed in the McDonalds parking lot within 45 feet to the entrance of the Embassy is a constant issue. ¶9. (U) If there are any questions please contact ARSO David ¶J. Hazarian at (242) 322-1181 x4125. WITAJEWSKI