INCSR PROMPTS GREATER SCRUTINY OF FOREST

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000300

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

PORT OF SPAIN ALSO FOR DEA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR EAGR PGOV KCRM KPAO GY
SUBJECT: INCSR PROMPTS GREATER SCRUTINY OF FOREST
CONCESSIONS

REF: A. GEORGETOWN 278

B. GEORGETOWN 254


1. The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is taking steps to
prevent narco-traffickers from gaining control of timber
concessions in Guyana. This is a direct reaction to the 2006
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR),
which stated that the GFC "granted a State Forestry
Exploratory Permit (SFEP) to Aurelius Inc., a company
controlled by known drug trafficker Shaheed 'Roger' Khan."
After the INCSR's release, Forestry Commissioner James Singh
quibbled with this assertion on semantic grounds only.


2. The independent Stabroek News reported March 28 that
concerns about the lack of due diligence into Aurelius'
owners were raised at recent GFC meetings, and that the GFC
board has agreed to examine more rigorously the bona fides of
future SFEP applicants. A GFC board member has confirmed
this to PolOff, adding that the GFC genuinely wants to defend
the timber industry from infiltration by narco-interests.


3. Guyana's timber industry offers an easy cover situation
for narco-criminals, so an ineffective or complicit GFC poses
a significant threat. Timber is a capital-intensive business
that requires substantial up-front equipment purchases - very
convenient for laundering money. The timber concessions are
located in remote locations - where owners operate airstrips
invisible to the Guyanese authorities as well as freighters
full of timber that can be used as cover for drug shipments.


4. Comment. A more circumspect GFC is an important
development in Guyana's fight against narco-trafficking.
Post is encouraged by some Guyanese authorities' fledgling
efforts to put pressure on major drug traffickers. End
comment.
BULLEN