Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MONTEVIDEO825
2006-09-06 20:21:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Montevideo
how-toVZCZCXYZ0008 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHMN #0825 2492021 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 062021Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6235 INFO RUCNMER/MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 2538 RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 0443 RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ SEP SANTIAGO 2901 RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000825
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR WHA/BSC AND INL/LP (JHIDES)
BUENOS AIRES PLS PASS DEA ANTHONY GRECO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR PREL KCRM UY
SUBJECT: MAJOR COCAINE BUST IN URUGUAY
REF: STATE 00141871
UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000825
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR WHA/BSC AND INL/LP (JHIDES)
BUENOS AIRES PLS PASS DEA ANTHONY GRECO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR PREL KCRM UY
SUBJECT: MAJOR COCAINE BUST IN URUGUAY
REF: STATE 00141871
1. (U) On September 5-6, the Uruguayan National Police's
anti-drug unit DGRTID scored major success against
international narco-traffickers operating here. The unit's
"Operation Chimed" resulted in the largest cocaine HCl
seizure (over 300 kg) in Uruguayan history. Police arrested
twenty-four individuals from Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia,
Peru, Colombia and Korea in connection with the case. A
cocaine laboratory with chemicals, reprocessing and
repackaging equipment was raided, and six luxury vehicles,
100,000 Euros, USD 31,000 (in cash) and a number of suitcases
specially designed to smuggle drugs were seized at various
locations in and around Montevideo.
2. (SBU) On September 6, DGRTID's Director, Inspector Julio
Guarteche told Emboffs that he was most grateful for the
cooperation Uruguay had received from the US, particularly
from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). He said that the
high-quality cocaine appeared destined for Europe, but that
he also had indications that some of the narco-trafficking
organization's "investment money" originated in the United
States. Guarteche said DGRTID was still investigating money
laundering and other international dimensions of the case,
including problems along the porous, largely un-patrolled
border with Brazil.
3. (SBU) Comment: While perhaps not so large by some
countries' standards, Operation Chimed is big news here.
Ordinary citizens have become increasingly fed up with the
mounting crime wave fueled by a flood of cheap coca paste.
To us, both indicators point to Uruguay's increasing role in
the international drug circuit. However, no INL funds are
slated to assist Uruguay in the drug fight this year
(reftel). Further details on Operation Chimed will be
reported septel as appropriate. End Comment.
Nealon
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR WHA/BSC AND INL/LP (JHIDES)
BUENOS AIRES PLS PASS DEA ANTHONY GRECO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR PREL KCRM UY
SUBJECT: MAJOR COCAINE BUST IN URUGUAY
REF: STATE 00141871
1. (U) On September 5-6, the Uruguayan National Police's
anti-drug unit DGRTID scored major success against
international narco-traffickers operating here. The unit's
"Operation Chimed" resulted in the largest cocaine HCl
seizure (over 300 kg) in Uruguayan history. Police arrested
twenty-four individuals from Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia,
Peru, Colombia and Korea in connection with the case. A
cocaine laboratory with chemicals, reprocessing and
repackaging equipment was raided, and six luxury vehicles,
100,000 Euros, USD 31,000 (in cash) and a number of suitcases
specially designed to smuggle drugs were seized at various
locations in and around Montevideo.
2. (SBU) On September 6, DGRTID's Director, Inspector Julio
Guarteche told Emboffs that he was most grateful for the
cooperation Uruguay had received from the US, particularly
from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). He said that the
high-quality cocaine appeared destined for Europe, but that
he also had indications that some of the narco-trafficking
organization's "investment money" originated in the United
States. Guarteche said DGRTID was still investigating money
laundering and other international dimensions of the case,
including problems along the porous, largely un-patrolled
border with Brazil.
3. (SBU) Comment: While perhaps not so large by some
countries' standards, Operation Chimed is big news here.
Ordinary citizens have become increasingly fed up with the
mounting crime wave fueled by a flood of cheap coca paste.
To us, both indicators point to Uruguay's increasing role in
the international drug circuit. However, no INL funds are
slated to assist Uruguay in the drug fight this year
(reftel). Further details on Operation Chimed will be
reported septel as appropriate. End Comment.
Nealon