BI-WEEKLY REPORTING CABLE FOR PERIOD ENDING

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001250

DEPARTMENT FOR INL/LP, DAS CHRISTY MCCAMPBELL AND AIMEE
MARTIN
DEPARTMENT FOR INL/RM, JAMES WALSH
EMBASSIES FOR NAS
PAFB FOR SHARON NELL

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC PREL GT
SUBJECT: BI-WEEKLY REPORTING CABLE FOR PERIOD ENDING
09/26/08 ? NARCOTICS AFFAIRS SECTION

(U) 1. SUMMARY: This cable provides a summary of NAS
activities in Guatemala covering the period ending
September 26, 2008. End Summary.

--------------

2. NARCOTICS
--------------
(U) a. NAS attended a meeting on September 8 at the
National Port Commission (CPN)which addressed the GOG?s
new policy on Port Security. In attendance at the meeting
were the Ministry of Government (MOG) representative,
three Port Police (DIPA) commanders with the three DIPA
officers responsible for the Guatemalan ports, the heads
of the port security program from each port, members of
the CPN and NAS. The purpose of the meeting was to
develop a plan under which the funds that are collected
from the shipping companies will be used to support port
security operations. This plan will be modeled after the
Cartagena Colombia Port Security Program. The
development of this plan will then be presented to the
numerous government entities for implementation.
(U) b. On September 9, NAS and other members of the
Embassy attended the monthly working group meeting at the
Civil Aviation Agency (DGAC). Numerous members of the
MOG, DIPA and Immigration were in attendance. The focal
point of this meeting was the integration of the Tax
Agency (SAT) into current airport security operations.
SAT presented their future plans for screening passengers
and the use of scanners which they hope to install at the
airport.

(U) c. The FIAAT (the local JTF for anti-drug and
terrorism) began air assault training. This was conducted
at a deserted military base near Escuintla with
assistance from DEA. The training lasted two days.

(U) d. NAS met on September 10 with the Inspector General
of the Guatemalan police (PNC) regarding corruption
issues within both the local DEA (SAIA) and DIPA. The
Inspector General was aware of the problems and stated
that he will address them.

(U) e. NAS fully supported the recent change of the SAIA
Director. The new Director has completed the vetting
process and passed all the requirements. His transfer to
SAIA is seen as a necessary move to improve the
performance of SAIA.

--------------

3. RULE OF LAW
--------------
(U) a. From September 8 to 10, the Attorney General?s
Office?s (MP) Private Secretary, Fanuel Garcia and
Guatemalan vetted unit (UNILAT) Prosecutor Francisco
Rivas, visited Puerto Rico to continue training on the
use of undercover operations and wire intercepts.
Different Puerto Rican and federal authorities explained
to them operational and administrative issues such as
personnel selection and training, required equipment and
security.

(U) b. According to the agreed schedule, the delegates
from the MOG, MP, the local Demand Reduction Agency
(SECCATID) and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) finished
preparing the draft agreement to be presented to the
Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) on the sharing and
distribution of seized assets.

--------------

4. POLICE
--------------
(U) a. A new Director General was named to head up the
PNC. Director Marlene Blanco, the new Director, has
advised NAS that she wants to continue all NAS projects
and requested a briefing on NAS projects. She also
stated that she is in agreement with the NAS
recommendation to fully vet the PNC Criminal
Investigation Unit (DINC) of the police. Although a new
QInvestigation Unit (DINC) of the police. Although a new
Sub Director of Investigations has not yet been named,
vetting will commence immediately and will be coordinated
with NAS. Specialized training will be programmed to
support the PNC DINC.

(U) b. Due to the numerous changes in senior positions in


the PNC, NAS will be working closely with the new PNC
Director General of the police to ensure continuity of
programs and to initiate regional projects as set forth
under Plan Merida.

--------------

5. DEMAND REDUCTION
--------------
(U) a. NAS met with SECCATID to develop a detailed
spending plan for SECCATID, based on the new National
Drug Policy and resulting Strategic Plan.

(U) b. Enough agents have finally cleared vetting to
proceed with setup for the first Police Athletic League
in Villa Nueva. NAS met with community leaders and Edgar
Camargo from SECCATID to plan the next steps in the
process.

--------------

6. AVIATION SUPPORT
--------------

(U) a. NAS made contact with Lt Col Franco, logistics
coordinator for the Guatemalan Air Force, to establish
communication regarding use of their fuel during NAS air
operations.


(U) b. On Monday, 22 September the FIAAT (both ground and
aviation sections) deployed to Cuilapa, Santa Rosa to
support mobile road block operations. This was both an
actual operation and a testing/training opportunity where
there was the opportunity to test the logistics, teamwork
and tactics of the FIAAT. The deployment from both an
aviation and ground point of view was a valuable learning
experience. A debrief meeting will be held in early
October to document the multiple lessons learned and to
adjust, where necessary, strategy and tactics.

(U) c. Due to inclement weather, it has been difficult to
finish the mountain portion of the special mission
training.

(U) d. On October 6 the FIAAT is scheduled to do an opium
poppy recon in the western highlands of Guatemala.

--------------

7. OTHER ISSUES
--------------
(U) All LOAs for INACIF, Demand Reduction, the Attorney
General?s Office and the Ministry of Government were
signed no later than September 30, 2008.

MCFARLAND