INL MANAGUA 2008 END USE MONITORING REPORT

UNCLAS MANAGUA 000152 DEPT FOR INL/RM AND INL/LP SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR AFIN NU SUBJECT: INL MANAGUA 2008 END USE MONITORING REPORT REF: STATE 166080 ¶1. Embassy Managua submits its 2008 End Use Monitoring Report per reftel instructions. ¶2. Begin Text: PROCEDURES ¶A. Inventory Management EUM Program Coordinator Byron Tsao, 505-252-7711, TsaoBF@state.gov, United States Embassy, Km 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua, Nicaragua. Inventory System - - - - - - - - - Embassy Managua's inventory system consists of spreadsheet lists of all commodities donated to the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) and the Nicaraguan Navy. A sticker with an INL inventory number is placed on each commodity for ease of tracking. Through regular program monitoring, site visits are performed to assure that commodities are being used by the appropriate unit in the appropriate manner and to verify the condition of the commodities. As part of the agreement between Government of Nicaragua (GON) agencies and the USG, INL, the NNP and the Navy document the distribution or redistribution of commodities to other cities of the country or other Units through written correspondence. In the case of services, Post maintains attendance lists and logistics information of any training provided to monitor these services. Staff member EUM Responsibilities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In September 2008, a new INL Program Assistant was hired to manage financial and other logistical issues. One of the responsibilities of the position is to provide support in monitoring INL-donated equipment and draft the 2008 End Use Monitoring report. The new INL Program Assistant performed site visits to track and inspect INL-donated equipment, updated INL inventory lists and obtained reports from the NNP on the status of commodities donated that could not be inspected. Other USG Agency Assistance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The DEA provided support by conducting visits to verify the use and condition of equipment donated by INL to the NNP. Staff from the Political section also provided support by verifying the location and condition of INL donations in police stations located in remote areas of the country during programmed visits and activities in these areas. A maritime engineer jointly funded by INL Managua and NAS Panama provides support to monitor and supervise the refurbishment of three naval boats in the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. ¶B. Counterpart Agencies Recipients - - - - - - Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) and Nicaraguan Navy. Both counterparts cooperated extensively in the End Use Monitoring process by providing access to their facilities so Embassy officer could view all assets donated to them. They also provided written reports with their own inventory information to help compare with INL's inventory list. The NNP was very helpful in making the on-site inspections a quick and easy process by having all donated assets accounted for and on-site during the scheduled visits. Receipt - - - - The procedure used to document the provisions of the items provided to the NNP and Navy are Word documents with a specific listing of the items donated with serial numbers and/or vehicle motor numbers, signed by INL and by the recipient's representative. ¶C. On-site Inspections 10 scheduled on-site inspections performed 3 unscheduled on-site inspections performed 9 counterpart sites and 7 cities visited December 3, 2008, Managua, Drug Unit Police Station December 15, 2008, Managua, Juvenile Affairs Police Station December 18, 2008, Managua, Drug Unit Police Station December 23, 2008, Managua, Drug Unit Police Station December 26, 2008, Matagalpa, Drug Unit Police Station December 30, 2008, Jinotega, Drug Unit Police Station January 6, 2009, Managua, Drug Unit Police Station January 8, 2009, Managua, Drug Unit at Airport January 13, 2009, Peas Blancas, Drug Unit Police Station January 13, 2009, Rivas, Drug Unit Police Station January 14, 2009, Chinandega, Drug Unit Police Station January 14, 2009, Lesn, Drug Unit Police Station January 20, 2009, Bluefields, Navy 1,003 donated items subject to inspection. 52% of donated items personally inspected. ¶D. Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status Through comparison of records and discussions with police officials, another 20% of donated items were monitored, meaning that 72% of all INL-donated items were monitored and accounted for in 2008. STATUS-COMMODITIES - - - - - - - - - - ¶A. Type of commodity and project 296 Computer equipment packages (*Note: Equipment includes CPU, UPS back-up batteries, monitors, printers, scanners, and stabilizers.) donated for NNP Drug Interdiction 36 Cameras donated for Drug Interdiction 2 Cameras donated for Demand Reduction 8 Computer equipment packages donated for Demand Reduction 23 Computer equipment packages donated to Vetted Unit 9 Cameras donated to Vetted Unit 1 Buster Contraband Detector and 4 Buster accessories for Drug Interdiction 1 Mobile Vapor Tracer donated for Drug Interdiction 1 Power Generator for Drug Interdiction 1 Power Generator for Demand Reduction 1 Ion Scan 129 Portable and base radios donated for Drug Interdiction 4 Canines for K9 Unit. B, C and D. Location, Use and Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153 Computer equipment packages in Managua Police headquarters. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. 134 computer equipment packages are in good condition and being used. Four computer equipment packages are in the warehouse, brand new, not being used. Seven computer equipment packages are in fair condition and being used. Eight computer equipment packages are in bad condition. 12 computer equipment packages are in the NNP Managua police station warehouse in bad condition. 4 Cameras located in Managua Police headquarters. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, also to take pictures of any drug seizures for police records. One is in fair condition and the other three are in bad condition. 17 Computer equipment packages in Managua International Airport. This equipment is used by the NNP Airport Unit to write, print, file, share and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. 14 computer equipment packages are in good condition. Three computer equipment packages are in bad condition. 11 Cameras and camera equipment in Managua International Airport. These cameras and equipment are used by the Airport National Police to guard different strategic points within the Airport to prevent drug smuggling or handling. 9 cameras are in good condition. One camera is in fair condition. 1 Ion Scan in Managua International Airport. This is used to detect drug traces on luggage and is in good condition. 25 Computer equipment packages in Vetted Unit headquarters. These computers are used by the Vetted Unit to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information, related to international drug trafficking, corruption and money laundering, with relevant units and counterparts. All the computer equipment is in good condition. 9 Cameras in Vetted Unit headquarters. These cameras are used by the Vetted Unit to carry out its day-to-day functions related to international drug trafficking, corruption and money laundering. All cameras are in good condition. 21 Computer equipment packages in the Peas Blancas Drug Unit. These computers are used by the Peas Blancas Border Inspection Station NNP Unit to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. Eight computer equipment packages are in good condition. Thirteen computer equipment packages are in bad condition. 1 Buster Contraband Detector and 4 accessories in Peas Blancas Drug Unit. The Peas Blancas Border Inspection Station is located at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A high volume of cargo traffic passes through this border crossing, making it a particularly important area to conduct narcotics interdiction operations. In such operations, the Buster is used to detect trace amount of drugs as well as find false compartments in trucks attempting to pass through the border. The Buster is in bad condition, and was recently sent to the US for repair, along with one piece of peripheral equipment that is in bad condition and also sent for repair. 3 pieces of equipment are in good condition. 1 Power Generator in Peas Blancas Drug Unit. Given the unstable nature of the Nicaraguan power grid, it is crucial for the Peas Blancas Border Inspection Station maintain an independent power source, in the form of a generator, to ensure an uninterrupted inspection effort even during the frequent blackouts and brownouts in the country. The generator is in good condition. 4 Cameras in Peas Blancas Drug Unit. These cameras are used by the Peas Blancas officials to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, cargoes, or people that cross the border and are also used to take pictures during drug seizures. Two cameras are in good condition, one in fair condition and one in bad condition. 8 Computer equipment packages in Juvenile Affairs headquarters. These computers are used by the NNP Juvenile Affairs officials to support them during DARE or Second Step demand reduction program training sessions and conferences. The computers are also used to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information relevant to their demand reduction activities. 4 computer equipment packages are in good condition. 4 computer equipment packages are in bad condition. 2 Cameras in Juvenile Affairs headquarters. These are used to take pictures of their activities carried out under Demand Reduction. Both cameras are in bad condition. 1 Power Generator in Juvenile Affairs headquarters. This generator is brand new. 2 Cameras with Mobile Inspection Unit. These are used by the MIU to take pictures during their undercover inspections. Both cameras are in good condition. 1 Mobile Vapor Tracer with Mobile Inspection Unit. This is used by the MIU to detect drug residues in vehicles during inspections. The Vapor Tracer is in good condition 5 Computer equipment packages in the Carazo police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Corn Island police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 1 Camera in Granada police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 8 Computer equipment packages in Chinandega police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Chontales police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 6 Computer equipment packages in Estel police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Granada police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Granada police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 6 Computer equipment packages in Jinotega police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Jinotega police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 6 Computer equipment packages in Leon police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Leon police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Madriz police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Madriz police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Masaya police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Masaya police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 6 Computer equipment packages in Matagalpa police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 6 Computer equipment packages in Nueva Segovia police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 6 Computer equipment packages in RAAN police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Rama police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Rio San Juan police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 5 Computer equipment packages in Rivas police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding Narcotics Interdiction and Law Enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition. 1 Camera in Rivas police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 1 Camera in Zelaya Central police station. These cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in bad condition. 8 Cameras in warehouse. These cameras are not being used because they are damaged. 76 Radios in warehouse at Managua Police headquarters. 70 of these radios are in warehouse in bad condition. 1 Radio Base in good condition and 5 Power Source Radio bases in good condition. 31 Radios in Managua Police headquarters. 21 are in bad condition and 10 are in good condition. 26 Radios located at Managua International Airport. Only 12 radios and 2 Radio Bases in fair condition are being used for communication between officers. The other 12 are in bad condition. 12 Radios in Peas Blancas. Only two radio bases are in good condition and being used. The other 10 handheld radios are in bad condition. 7 Radios in Chinandega police station. All seven radios are in bad condition. 4 Radios in Jinotega police station. Three radios in fair condition being used by officials to communicate with each other. One radio is in bad condition. 7 Radios in Leon police station. All 7 radios are in bad condition. 4 Radios in Matagalpa police station. Two radios in fair condition used by officers to communicate with each other. Two radios in bad condition. 4 Radios in Rivas. All four radios are in bad condition. 2 Canines, located at Peas Blancas, used to detect drugs in luggage, freights and people. One was sent to Managua for retirement and one is ill, and is currently located at a local veterinary. ¶E. Unmonitored Commodities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Approximately 28% of total donations could not be monitored as they had been donated in 2002 or prior and have reached the end of their useful life-span. Most of these commodities are in bad condition and either beyond repair or have had their parts used to repair newer models. Two other canines were up for retirement. STATUS-INVENTORIES ¶A. N/A ¶B. Vehicles Nicaraguan National Police Vehicles Inventory Toyota Hilux Double Cabin 19 Toyota Yaris Sedan 4 Toyota Tercel Sedan 3 Toyota Van 1 Toyota Ambulance 1 Ford Van 2 Ford Truck 1 Hyundai Accent Sedan 2 GMC Van 1 Yamaha motorcycles 59 Honda motorcycles 37 Suzuki motorcycles 15 Dodge Caravan 1 Nissan Quest 1 Demand Reduction - Juvenile Affairs Vehicles Inventory Toyota Tercel Sedan 1 GMC Pick-Up 1 Honda motorcycles 8 Vetted Unit Vehicles Honda motorcycles 5 Note: The Suzuki motorcycles, 41 Yamaha motorcycles and the 3 Toyota Tercel will not be included in the 2009 End Use Monitoring Report because they have reached the end of their useful life-spans. Other vehicles that will be removed: GMC Pick-Up, Dodge Caravan and Nissan Quest. All of these vehicles are in bad condition and beyond repair. ¶C. Vessels Nicaraguan National Police Vessel Inventory Boston Whaler 1 ¶D. N/A STATUS-SERVICES-INL ¶A. N/A ¶B. Demand Reduction Services - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Combat TIP - Training of police to learn how to handle TIP cases and learn how to operate the help telephone lines to assist TIP victims; TIP campaign and divulgation materials. Drug awareness programs - Training of police officers; training of teachers; education of preschool level students; and awareness campaigns for students in primary and secondary school. ¶C. Maritime Support - - - - - - - - - - - Support the Nicaraguan Navy - Refurbishment of three large naval boats and providing engines, spare parts, and maintenance for several smaller patrol boats for maritime interdiction on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. PROGRAM IMPACT ¶A. Communications equipment - The purchase of communications equipment helped improve communication and sharing of information between the different units and police stations throughout the country to help in the investigation of national and international drug trafficking. ¶B. Vehicles - The vehicles and motorcycles purchased for the NNP were a key factor in the NNP's record narcotics seizures in FY 2008, with the seizure of approximately 19.5 MT of cocaine, 52.84 kilograms of heroin, and the arrest of 136 drug traffickers. The NNP also seized $4,742,147.00 in U.S. currency and denied 109 traffickers assets worth a total of $9,147,397.00 U.S. currency. Of significance, Nicaraguan authorities also seized 18,000 dosage units of pseudoephedrine as it was being smuggled out of the country. ¶C. Maritime Support - With substantial support from INL Managua, the Nicaraguan Navy was able to proactively patrol Nicaraguan territorial waters and aggressively deploy their limited assets to respond to tactical information provided by US law enforcement agencies (US LEA). This assertive maritime posture and coordination with US LEA resulted in the seizure of over 9,000 kilograms of cocaine; approximately 50% of FY-08 cocaine seizures. Of the nine documented maritime events, eight occurred on the Atlantic coast. ¶D. Services - Through the Demand Reduction project, material for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program, established in Nicaragua in 2001, has now been translated into the Miskito language and widely utilized on the Atlantic coast. In 2008, the United States worked with the NNP's Department of Juvenile Affairs to evaluate and expand a pilot effort for the Second Step (Segundo Paso) demand reduction/at-risk youth program which is designed for younger children. The program thus far has proven to be a success amongst the students, teachers and parents. PROBLEMS & CORRECTIVE ACTION PLANS (CAP's) ¶A. Unmonitored Resources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Approximately 28% of inventory, including computer equipment, vehicles and radios were not monitored due to staff shortages. For two years there was only one dedicated INL locally employed staff (LES) member, a Program Assistant. This position was responsible for carrying out an extremely wide array of duties, including budgeting, reporting, and inventory which made it very difficult to conduct regular inventory monitoring visits. In September 2008 a new INL Program Assistant was hired to manage the program budget and overhaul the INL Managua End Use Monitoring system. In 2009 another INL Program Assistant will be hired as a Logistics Specialist who will be responsible for maintaining and monitoring inventory. ¶B. Repair and Maintenance of Commodities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Maintenance of computer equipment and cameras in particular are a problem because the parts for repair can be extremely difficult to find or can at times cost more than buying brand-new equipment. INL will consult with the NNP on a case-by-case basis the viability of buying necessary parts overseas or completely replacing the units when necessary. ¶C. Lack of Use or Misuse of commodities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 NNP project vehicles were found to be misused. They were erroneously transferred with NNP officers who departed from the anti-narcotics units they were originally assigned to. INL has addressed this issue with the NNP and it is in the process of getting the vehicles returned to the Drug Unit. A small quantity of recently donated items has not been put to use. NNP officials were advised on proper usage of the items and are in the process of putting the items to use. ¶D. Disposal of commodities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Much equipment donated prior to 2002 has been disposed of by the NNP in what they call their "graveyard" or have had their parts used to fix newer equipment. The Suzuki motorcycles, 41 Yamaha motorcycles and the 3 Toyota Tercels will not be included in the 2009 End Use Monitoring Report because they have reached the end of their useful life-spans. Other vehicles that will be removed: GMC Pick-Up, Dodge Caravan and Nissan Quest. All of these vehicles are in bad condition and beyond repair. INL will write a letter to the NNP to offer assistance in disposing of the computer equipment and vehicles as needed. ¶E. Other Problems - - - - - - - - - - There are some gaps in INL Managua inventory records due to a historical lack of funding for staff to conduct regular End Use Monitoring visits. INL Managua is in the process of hiring a new Program Assistant whose primary responsibility will be to maintain up-to-date inventory information and carry out quarterly monitoring site visits to maintain accurate records. CALLAHAN