(S) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IRISL CARGO INSPECTION

S E C R E T SINGAPORE 000748

SIPDIS

ISN, T, TREASURY, IO, INR, NEA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/03/2018
TAGS: ECON EFIN EWWT ETRD PARM PINR PREL KNNP SN
SUBJECT: (S) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IRISL CARGO INSPECTION
PROVISION OF UNSCR 1803

REF: STATE 69339

Classified By: Econ/Pol Chief Ike Reed reasons 1.4 (b) (d)


1. (S) Singapore continues to do its part to monitor,
interdict, and inspect suspect cargo, aircraft and vessels
owned or operated by Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of
Iran Shipping Line (IRISL),Sharon Seah, MFA Assistant
Director of the Counterproliferation and International
Security Branch, told Econoffs July 2. Shippers are aware of
Singapore's stringent laws and inspections, and it appears
that some of them are purposely steering clear of the port to
avoid detection. Law enforcement agencies report that some
ships bound for Singapore make last-minute changes in course
before entering Singapore waters. These evasive tactics,
which include "very strange" routes, make it more difficult
for Singapore law enforcement officials to interdict
shipments, Ms. Seah said. She did not know whether any of
these ships were linked to IRISL, nor could she say how
frequently this occurs.


2. (S) The Singapore government remains focused on this
issue and communicates with law enforcement agencies and the
private sector when new UN sanctions are announced, Ms. Seah
said. Agencies have the resources and information necessary
to effectively monitor suspect shipments, she asserted, but
Singapore would welcome information from U.S. agencies that
can help it identify specific vessels or shipments for
interdiction.

Visit Embassy Singapore's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/singapore/ind ex.cfm
HERBOLD