BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-SHIPMENT/POST-LICENSE

UNCLAS MEXICO 003116 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR, WHA/MEX, AND INL/LP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC SNAR MX SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-SHIPMENT/POST-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON LICENSE 050190294 REF: STATE 102532 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff coordinated with the Regional Security Officer (RSO) from the U.S. Consulate in Merida to conduct the pre-shipment and post license end of use check for 1000 level III polyethylene plates to be used as bullet proof vests. Per reftel, on 22 October 2009, the RSO conducted interviews and site visits with representatives from ESMA del Sureste, the importer, and Seguridad Publica, the Yucatan State Police. ¶2. (SBU) ESMA del Sureste is an import agent that primarily serves as an intermediary between U.S. companies and the Yucatan State Police. The company was established in 2004 by co-owners Juan GAMBOA CASTRO and Gabriel GAMBOA COLOME and 90% of their transactions are for the Yucatan State Police. The remaining 10% of their business is importing construction equipment for large contracting companies in Merida, Mexico, such as Fatemsa and Mitza. Prior, ESMA has secured for the police items such as light bars, sirens, uniforms, handcuffs and night vision goggles. During the interview, GAMBOA CASTRO indicated that his company imports solely security equipment for the Yucatan State Police and indicated that all past purchase orders were available to be reviewed upon request. ¶3. (SBU) Yucatan State Police contracted ESMA del Sureste to locate ballistic plates in the U.S., coordinate the sale with the U.S vendor, act as the importer for the ballistic plates, and clear the ballistic plates through customs. Once through U.S. and Mexican Customs, the ballistic plates will go directly to the Yucatan State Police. GAMBOA CASTRO indicated that ESMA del Sureste will not take possession of the plates. Yucatan Secretaria de Hacienda is paying ESMA del Sureste $61,100 USD for the plates and associated services. GAMBOA CASTRO confirmed during the interview that he was familiar with the U.S. regulations regarding the re-transfer of controlled material. ¶4. (SBU) RSO interviewed Rodolfo SANDERS GUERREO of the Yucatan State Police. SANDERS GUERREO confirmed the order and provided the purchase order agreement with ESMA del Sureste for the ballistic plates and associated vests. He also indicated that the plates and vests would be inventoried by the administrative offices of the Yucatan State Police and distributed to police stations throughout the state. SANDERS GUERREO also confirmed that payment to ESMA del Sureste is coordinated through the state of Yucatan's Finance Ministry. ¶5. (SBU) ESMA del Sureste's relationship with the Yucatan State Police is consistent with other professional relationships between importers and governmental entities. The interviews and investigations conducted by the RSO in Merida suggests that the transaction is legitimate and that the proper controls are in place to maintain the equipment in accordance with U.S. law. Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / FEELEY