Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LIMA1257
2006-03-31 17:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Lima
how-toVZCZCXYZ0010 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHPE #1257/01 0901755 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 311755Z MAR 06 FM AMEMBASSY LIMA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9524 INFO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 3186 RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 6624 RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ MAR QUITO 0183 RHMFIUU/DEPT OF STATE AIR WING PATRICK AFB FL RHEHOND/DIRONDCP WASHDC RHMFIUU/COGARD INTELCOORDCEN WASHINGTON DC RULSJGA/COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-CI/G-M/G-OLE// RUCOWCA/COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA RUWDQAA/COMPACAREA COGARD ALAMEDA CA
UNCLAS LIMA 001257
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INL/LP
STATE FOR WHA/PPC
ONDCP FOR D. GEDDINGS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC PREL PE
SUBJECT: MARCH 2006 MONTHLY CABLE
REF: A. LIMA 01232
B. LIMA 00584
---------
SUMMARY
---------
UNCLAS LIMA 001257
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INL/LP
STATE FOR WHA/PPC
ONDCP FOR D. GEDDINGS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC PREL PE
SUBJECT: MARCH 2006 MONTHLY CABLE
REF: A. LIMA 01232
B. LIMA 00584
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (SBU) Here are the key developments in March 2006:
-- In March, CORAH eradicated 1,593 hectares of coca in the
Polvora/Pizana region of the Huallaga Valley. Thirteen
hectares of opium poppy were also eradicated by the Police.
-- DIRANDRO also destroyed 47 cocaine base labs and
neutralized over 3,000 kg of precursor chemicals.
-- INL/DAS Christy McCampbell and INL/LP Director Tony Arias
visited Peru from March 19-23.
-- The Maritime/Ports section received new ion-scanners that
boost air cargo and container inspection significantly.
-- Community Anti-Drug Coalition evaluation shows strong
support and participation from communities and lagging
performance of some NGO coalition teams. End Summary.
-------------- --------------
ERADICATORS FINISHING UP IN POLVORA-PIZANA AREA
-------------- --------------
2. (U) As of March 28, CORAH has eradicated a total of 1,593
hectares, eliminated 3,762 square meters of seedbeds (the
equivalent of 251 hectares if planted),and witnessed the
destruction of 29 cocaine-base laboratories. Of the total
eradicated, 249 hectares had been replanted coca.
Eradication operations are slated to end in the
Polvora-Pizana area at the end of March.
3. (U) NAS and CADA continue to coordinate with the UNODC in
Lima on the UN coca survey. We are working with USAID to
develop a cost-sharing agreement for CADA services. USAID's
Alternative Development Program uses CADA to locate coca
cultivation and replanting.
4. (SBU) In early April, NAS will do an aerial
reconnaissance over an area 20-30 km west of Santa Lucia to
look for and eradicate opium poppy fields. CADA personnel
will participate, so they can get a spectral signature of the
poppies. NAS and DEA are working with DEVIDA on controlling
precursor chemicals. The focus is currently on acetone, the
solvent of choice for Peruvian cocaine processors. Acetone
is being imported by only a few companies, so it may be one
of the chemicals most easily controlled.
-------------- --
INL DAS MCCAMPBELL AND INL/LP ARIAS VISIT PERU
-------------- --
5. (SBU) On their March 19-23 visit to Peru, INL/DAS Christy
McCampbell and INL/LP Director Tony Arias were briefed on the
Mission's counter-narcotics efforts (Ref A). They met with
Peruvian government officials and non-governmental
interlocutors. McCampbell and Arias met with customs,
police, and port officials involved in port security
programs. DAS McCampbell visited a demand reduction program
for at-risk youth in a barrio of Lima. Arias inspected the
proposed Regional Training Center associated with ILEA.
6. (U) The INL visitors traveled to two of the main drug
source zones--the Huallaga and the Apurimac/Ene River Valleys
(VRAE)--where they inspected the NAS-sponsored police bases
and academies at Santa Lucia and Mazamari. They also visited
current eradication operations and a cocaine-base laboratory,
where they observed the first production stage of cocaine
base. The group also visited Palma Pampa to see the
NAS-constructed police base in the VRAE.
-------------- --------------
POLICE: SUPPORTING ERADICATION, BUSTING COCAINE LABS
-------------- --------------
7. (U) The DIRANDRO Special Operations Division maintains a
security perimeter for the eradications. DIRANDRO also
destroyed 47 cocaine base laboratories and neutralized over
3,000 kg of precursor chemicals. On March 13, DIRANDRO
eradicated 13 hectares of opium poppy in Celendin in
Cajamarca.
8. (U) DIRANDRO personnel based in Santa Lucia destroyed 15
cocaine-base laboratories. The DIRANDRO Road Interdiction
Group is operating out of a base in Huanuco and has already
intercepted 45 kg of solvent, 65 kg of calcium oxide, and
arrested 3 people. The Group also eradicated one hectare of
opium poppy and received intelligence on other plantings in
the area. Despite bad weather in Palma Pampa, DIRANDRO
troops destroyed 14 cocaine-base laboratories and neutralized
tons of precursor chemicals.
--------------
INSPECTING HELICOPTERS AND REPAIRING A C-130
--------------
9. (U) On March 7-11, an aviation maintenance assistance
group from INL/A, U.S. Helicopter, Honeywell Engines, and
McTurbine visited Pucallpa. DynCorp, the maintenance
contractor, had reported that the UH-2s delivered in January
and February 2006 had engine problems. Air Wing was
concerned the warranty may have been voided, because of
unauthorized maintenance procedures. The team instructed
DynCorp on the correct maintenance procedures. The warranty
on the new UH-2s had not been voided.
10. (U) With more CN Police graduating from the three
academies east of the Andes, there is some concern about
insufficient air lift support. Therefore, NAS will fund an
inspection of the Peruvian Air Force C-130s that the FAP
could make available to the CN effort. NAS is waiting for
the final report, but the team said the C-130 fleet was in
better shape than reported. Only one C-130 out of five is
flyable, but there are sufficient spare parts to repair two
more.
11. (SBU) NAS Guardians/Security Specialists have received
intelligence reports from several sources claiming our
helicopters may be targeted during the upcoming election
period that runs until the end of May. Precautions are being
taken and flight crews briefed.
-------------- --------------
PORTS: ION-SCANNERS SHARPLY IMPROVE CARGO INSPECTION
-------------- --------------
12. (U) Two ion-scan machines, used to detect trace amounts
of chemicals, are now in operation at Port of Callao and Lima
Airport. With one ion-scanner, 31 containers were inspected
in one day with an average inspection rate of 15-20
containers daily. Without the scanner, Peruvian Customs was
inspecting an average of 4 per day. The ion-scanner at Lima
Airport should show a similar increase in air cargo and
luggage inspection. GOP personnel are now being trained. A
mobile, van-mounted x-ray machine is scheduled to arrive in
Peru in April and will be used primarily at the airport, but
it will also be available for inspections at terminals and
warehouses.
13. (U) Two leased container scanners should arrive in Peru
by the end of May. One will be used to inspect every
container being exported through the northern port of Paita.
Infrastructure improvement projects are underway in Paita to
support additional personnel and operations in the port which
previously did not inspect outbound cargo at all. The second
scanner will be in Callao. NAS is working with Peruvian
Customs to operate the scanner 24/7, which will be a first
for Peruvian Customs.
14. (U) On March 30, Embassy officials met with
representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the
Peruvian Coast Guard to discuss procedures for future
incidents like the boarding of the Peruvian-registered
fishing vessel Linda Rocio by U.S. forces on February 7 (Ref
B).
--------------
ANTI-DRUG COALITIONS GETTING STRONG SUPPORT
--------------
15. (U) On March 21-25, Eduardo Hernandez, a representative
from the U.S.-based NGO Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of
America (CADCA),provided technical assistance to our six
Community Anti-Drug Coalition (CAC) teams. Hernandez and NAS
staff observed CAC activities and meetings to evaluate their
progress and offer recommendations. Preliminary results show
that two CACs are progressing as planned with active
participation and decision making by the community. Two
others still need to have the CAC members complete their
Logic Models and Strategic Plans. The last two CACs lack not
only the Logic Models and Strategic Plans, but have not
properly integrated the community into the CAC--members are
still passive participants. All CAC teams were given
specific recommendations with deadlines for completion.
Despite some initial skepticism by the NGOs, people have
responded enthusiastically to the CAC concept, expressing a
desire to halt drug abuse in their communities and a will to
provide their own resources for worthwhile projects. CADCA
will provide a detailed report to INL/C/CJ.
STRUBLE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INL/LP
STATE FOR WHA/PPC
ONDCP FOR D. GEDDINGS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC PREL PE
SUBJECT: MARCH 2006 MONTHLY CABLE
REF: A. LIMA 01232
B. LIMA 00584
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (SBU) Here are the key developments in March 2006:
-- In March, CORAH eradicated 1,593 hectares of coca in the
Polvora/Pizana region of the Huallaga Valley. Thirteen
hectares of opium poppy were also eradicated by the Police.
-- DIRANDRO also destroyed 47 cocaine base labs and
neutralized over 3,000 kg of precursor chemicals.
-- INL/DAS Christy McCampbell and INL/LP Director Tony Arias
visited Peru from March 19-23.
-- The Maritime/Ports section received new ion-scanners that
boost air cargo and container inspection significantly.
-- Community Anti-Drug Coalition evaluation shows strong
support and participation from communities and lagging
performance of some NGO coalition teams. End Summary.
-------------- --------------
ERADICATORS FINISHING UP IN POLVORA-PIZANA AREA
-------------- --------------
2. (U) As of March 28, CORAH has eradicated a total of 1,593
hectares, eliminated 3,762 square meters of seedbeds (the
equivalent of 251 hectares if planted),and witnessed the
destruction of 29 cocaine-base laboratories. Of the total
eradicated, 249 hectares had been replanted coca.
Eradication operations are slated to end in the
Polvora-Pizana area at the end of March.
3. (U) NAS and CADA continue to coordinate with the UNODC in
Lima on the UN coca survey. We are working with USAID to
develop a cost-sharing agreement for CADA services. USAID's
Alternative Development Program uses CADA to locate coca
cultivation and replanting.
4. (SBU) In early April, NAS will do an aerial
reconnaissance over an area 20-30 km west of Santa Lucia to
look for and eradicate opium poppy fields. CADA personnel
will participate, so they can get a spectral signature of the
poppies. NAS and DEA are working with DEVIDA on controlling
precursor chemicals. The focus is currently on acetone, the
solvent of choice for Peruvian cocaine processors. Acetone
is being imported by only a few companies, so it may be one
of the chemicals most easily controlled.
-------------- --
INL DAS MCCAMPBELL AND INL/LP ARIAS VISIT PERU
-------------- --
5. (SBU) On their March 19-23 visit to Peru, INL/DAS Christy
McCampbell and INL/LP Director Tony Arias were briefed on the
Mission's counter-narcotics efforts (Ref A). They met with
Peruvian government officials and non-governmental
interlocutors. McCampbell and Arias met with customs,
police, and port officials involved in port security
programs. DAS McCampbell visited a demand reduction program
for at-risk youth in a barrio of Lima. Arias inspected the
proposed Regional Training Center associated with ILEA.
6. (U) The INL visitors traveled to two of the main drug
source zones--the Huallaga and the Apurimac/Ene River Valleys
(VRAE)--where they inspected the NAS-sponsored police bases
and academies at Santa Lucia and Mazamari. They also visited
current eradication operations and a cocaine-base laboratory,
where they observed the first production stage of cocaine
base. The group also visited Palma Pampa to see the
NAS-constructed police base in the VRAE.
-------------- --------------
POLICE: SUPPORTING ERADICATION, BUSTING COCAINE LABS
-------------- --------------
7. (U) The DIRANDRO Special Operations Division maintains a
security perimeter for the eradications. DIRANDRO also
destroyed 47 cocaine base laboratories and neutralized over
3,000 kg of precursor chemicals. On March 13, DIRANDRO
eradicated 13 hectares of opium poppy in Celendin in
Cajamarca.
8. (U) DIRANDRO personnel based in Santa Lucia destroyed 15
cocaine-base laboratories. The DIRANDRO Road Interdiction
Group is operating out of a base in Huanuco and has already
intercepted 45 kg of solvent, 65 kg of calcium oxide, and
arrested 3 people. The Group also eradicated one hectare of
opium poppy and received intelligence on other plantings in
the area. Despite bad weather in Palma Pampa, DIRANDRO
troops destroyed 14 cocaine-base laboratories and neutralized
tons of precursor chemicals.
--------------
INSPECTING HELICOPTERS AND REPAIRING A C-130
--------------
9. (U) On March 7-11, an aviation maintenance assistance
group from INL/A, U.S. Helicopter, Honeywell Engines, and
McTurbine visited Pucallpa. DynCorp, the maintenance
contractor, had reported that the UH-2s delivered in January
and February 2006 had engine problems. Air Wing was
concerned the warranty may have been voided, because of
unauthorized maintenance procedures. The team instructed
DynCorp on the correct maintenance procedures. The warranty
on the new UH-2s had not been voided.
10. (U) With more CN Police graduating from the three
academies east of the Andes, there is some concern about
insufficient air lift support. Therefore, NAS will fund an
inspection of the Peruvian Air Force C-130s that the FAP
could make available to the CN effort. NAS is waiting for
the final report, but the team said the C-130 fleet was in
better shape than reported. Only one C-130 out of five is
flyable, but there are sufficient spare parts to repair two
more.
11. (SBU) NAS Guardians/Security Specialists have received
intelligence reports from several sources claiming our
helicopters may be targeted during the upcoming election
period that runs until the end of May. Precautions are being
taken and flight crews briefed.
-------------- --------------
PORTS: ION-SCANNERS SHARPLY IMPROVE CARGO INSPECTION
-------------- --------------
12. (U) Two ion-scan machines, used to detect trace amounts
of chemicals, are now in operation at Port of Callao and Lima
Airport. With one ion-scanner, 31 containers were inspected
in one day with an average inspection rate of 15-20
containers daily. Without the scanner, Peruvian Customs was
inspecting an average of 4 per day. The ion-scanner at Lima
Airport should show a similar increase in air cargo and
luggage inspection. GOP personnel are now being trained. A
mobile, van-mounted x-ray machine is scheduled to arrive in
Peru in April and will be used primarily at the airport, but
it will also be available for inspections at terminals and
warehouses.
13. (U) Two leased container scanners should arrive in Peru
by the end of May. One will be used to inspect every
container being exported through the northern port of Paita.
Infrastructure improvement projects are underway in Paita to
support additional personnel and operations in the port which
previously did not inspect outbound cargo at all. The second
scanner will be in Callao. NAS is working with Peruvian
Customs to operate the scanner 24/7, which will be a first
for Peruvian Customs.
14. (U) On March 30, Embassy officials met with
representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the
Peruvian Coast Guard to discuss procedures for future
incidents like the boarding of the Peruvian-registered
fishing vessel Linda Rocio by U.S. forces on February 7 (Ref
B).
--------------
ANTI-DRUG COALITIONS GETTING STRONG SUPPORT
--------------
15. (U) On March 21-25, Eduardo Hernandez, a representative
from the U.S.-based NGO Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of
America (CADCA),provided technical assistance to our six
Community Anti-Drug Coalition (CAC) teams. Hernandez and NAS
staff observed CAC activities and meetings to evaluate their
progress and offer recommendations. Preliminary results show
that two CACs are progressing as planned with active
participation and decision making by the community. Two
others still need to have the CAC members complete their
Logic Models and Strategic Plans. The last two CACs lack not
only the Logic Models and Strategic Plans, but have not
properly integrated the community into the CAC--members are
still passive participants. All CAC teams were given
specific recommendations with deadlines for completion.
Despite some initial skepticism by the NGOs, people have
responded enthusiastically to the CAC concept, expressing a
desire to halt drug abuse in their communities and a will to
provide their own resources for worthwhile projects. CADCA
will provide a detailed report to INL/C/CJ.
STRUBLE