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