Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05NASSAU775
2005-04-22 18:28:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nassau
Cable title:  

POSSIBLE EXPLOSIVES DETECTED IN NASSAU

Tags:  ASEC PTER 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
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)

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