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

UNCLAS QUITO 002605 SIPDIS SIPDIS PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC EC ETTC KOMC SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END USE CHECK ON APPLICATION 05-1007923 REF: STATE 154528 ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel questions on application 05-1007930, Embassy officers verified that Lorena Apunte Osorio is an associate of NOPA Importers, a legitimate, registered firearms dealer in Quito, Ecuador. NOPA Importers is owned and operated by three sisters; Lorena Apunte Osorio, Lucia Del Carmen Apunte Osorio, and Ana Margarita Apunte Osorio. The youngest of the three, Lorena joined the operation in 2004 and has no criminal record. ¶2. (SBU) The eldest sister, Ana Margarita, founded NOPA Importers in 1999 with the help of a retired military officer. The company primarily imports rifles from the U.S. and handguns from Brazil. The firearms are sold to private security firms and to individuals for sporting events. Ana Margarita and Lorena confirmed to PolOff that NOPA strictly complies with USG and GOE restrictions on re-exportation of firearms. ¶3. (SBU) NOPA Importers is located on the fifth floor of a high rise building with 24 hour security. The office is equipped with an outer metal gate, alarm system, and a video entrance system. Arms are stored behind a locked metal door, and in a second secured location on the 15th floor of the building. ¶4. (SBU) Ana Margarita Apunte told PolOff M.G. Suber and Associates is the local representative for Mossberg and Maverick from which NAPO purchases rifles and other arms related products. Based on the information provided, we believe NOPA Importers, for which Lorena Apunte Osorio is an associate, would be a reliable recipient USML items. JEWELL