Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PANAMA364
2006-02-25 11:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Panama
Cable title:  

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

Tags:  ETTC KOMC PN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHZP #0364 0561105
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 251105Z FEB 06
FM AMEMBASSY PANAMA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7465
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

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