BLUE LANTERN: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON

UNCLAS OSLO 000318 SIPDIS SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO PM/DTCC BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KOMC ETTC NO SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON LICENSES 05-050033627 AND 05-050033480 REF: SECSTATE 28895 ¶1. Post contacted the company Jaktedepotet and appropriate police offices according to reftel request. Jaktedepotet confirmed the orders for the listed firearms and said that the end use of the pistols and rifles is hunting and sport usage. The store is the second largest weapons shop in Norway and has ten percent of all sport weapons sales in Norway. Regular customers are located throughout Norway and are typically hunting enthusiasts. Jaktedepotet maintains detailed records on all weapons and on customers. No firearms are sold outside of Norway. The explanation for the significant increase in imports from the U.S. was a decision to buy more American weapons instead of Norwegian and German manufactured weapons. Jaktedepotet initially ordered these weapons in August 2006 and was quite frustrated by the delay in gaining approval for their purchase. The company has been in business since 2002. Idar Holm is the principle officer and the company is familiar with U.S. regulations regarding the re-export or re-transfer of U.S. origin defense articles. ¶2. Police officials confirmed that Jaktedepotet carries all required permits to import and sell firearms. Jaktedepotet is a well-regarded company with a good history of cooperation with police. JOHNSON