BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON

UNCLAS PANAMA 000364 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DTCC BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR WHA/CEN GREG SCHIFFER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC PN SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON APPLICATION 05-986110 REF: 06 STATE 09459 ¶1. Per reftel EmbOffs confirmed the bonafides of Inmunex, SA. Inmunex (International Munitions and Explosives) is a new company registered with Panama's Public Registry in December ¶2004. The Ministry of Government and Justice Public Security Director told EmbOffs that in its short history Inmunex has had no legal problems in Panama. The company is owned by the Carretero family that also owns a movie theater and entertainment complex near the American Embassy in Panama. ¶2. On February 17, 2006 Emboffs conducted a site visit with Craig Olson, Inmunex General Manager. Olson told EmbOffs that ammunition is being purchased for the Balboa Gun Club in Panama. According to Olson, Balboa Gun Club is popular with many wealthy Panamanians who like to hunt and practice marksmanship. Olson also said Inmunex has sold bulletproof vests to the Panamanian National Police (PNP) and hopes to sell the PNP ammunition in the future. Inmunex plans to sell explosives to companies involved in the planned Panama Canal expansion. ¶3. Inmunex's office has adequate on site security. It is located in the interior of an office building adjacent to a supermarket. A private security guard admits people to the building. No guns are present on site and there are only samples of the various types of munitions Inmunex purchases. The company has not yet sold any ammunition but had detailed records of their sales of other equipment. Olson is aware of the restrictions on USML items. He also showed EmbOffs the company's firearms license and import permit for ammunition. ¶4. Olson did not know anything about Perez Panama and believes they contract with the exporter to obtain the custom's permits in Panama. Perez Panama, a customs broker, has been registered with Panama's Public Registry since 1993. The General Manager of Perez is currently ill and EmbOffs were not able to schedule a site visit at this time. ¶5. By all appearances, Inmunex is a legitimate business operating within the laws of Panama. EATON