DUBAI CUSTOMS INCREASES PORT SECURITY WITH DHS AND DOE

UNCLAS DUBAI 006157 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD PREL AE SUBJECT: DUBAI CUSTOMS INCREASES PORT SECURITY WITH DHS AND DOE ¶1. (SBU) On August 27, a joint Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy delegation, led by Todd Horton, Customs and Border Protection, Container Security Initiative (CSI) Branch Chief, met with the Director General of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Butti Ahmed to discuss enhancing the effectiveness of CSI and Megaports Initiative. The joint US delegation gained Butti's assent to build on and integrate the successes of the CSI and Megaports Initiatives, and take the next steps in enhancing the effectiveness of radiological and nuclear screening. ¶2. (SBU) Butti accepted the US offer to add non-intrusive inspection equipment (NII),provided by the Department of Homeland Security, to operate in series with the radiation portal monitors (RPM) to be provided by the Department of Energy. Butti also agreed to the US proposal to electronically integrate the data, which will go to Dubai Customs. Data on US-bound containers will also be provided to the CSI team to better inform U.S. risk analysis of containers. ¶3. (SBU) While Director General Butti requested that cooperation be done without public attention, these next steps are consistent with a new initiative the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Energy will soon announce, known as the Secure Freight Screening Component/Enhanced Overseas Security Initiative. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Dubai has been a willing and cooperative partner to the DHS CSI and DOE Megaports Initiatives. There are currently four DHS personnel, (one Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent and three Customs and Border Protection Inspectors) co-located with Dubai Customs at Port Rashid. The Dubai government's cooperation has increased US ability to inspect containers posing the greatest risk before they depart for US shores. Dubai joined the Megaports Initiative in May 2005 and is currently in the design stage of implementation at Jebel Ali Port and Port Rashid. ¶5. (U) This cable has been cleared by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy. SUTPHIN