Santo Domingo 2009 End Use Monitoring Report

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000226 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR EFIN DR SUBJECT: Santo Domingo 2009 End Use Monitoring Report REF: 09 STATE 119905 ¶1. Per REFTEL, Embassy Santo Domingo provides the below responses. ¶2. BACKGROUND ¶A. EUM Program Coordinator: Mr. Roberto Elias, Phone (809)731-5006; Email: eliasrr@state.gov ¶B. Inventory System: The inventory of donated property is tracked via an excel spreadsheet. Please see the attached spreadsheets. ¶C. Staff Member Responsibilities: Director, Narcotics Affairs Section and Program Assistants are also responsible for End Use Monitoring. ¶D. Other USG Assistance: Other agencies/offices assisting with EUM include DEA, ICE, CBP, RSO and FBI. These agencies periodically visit Dominican recipient offices and verify the proper use and condition of equipment acquired using INL funding. ¶E. Counterpart Agencies: Recipients of INL funded assets include the Dominican National Police (DNP),Dominican National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD),Prosecutor General's Special Investigation Unit (SIU),Specialized Port Security Corps (CESEP), Specialized Airport Security Corps (CESA),National Drug Council (CND),Dominica Navy Intelligence (M-2) and the Financial Analysis Unit (UAF). With several of these agencies there are a number of separate offices. For example, within the DNP, there is the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU),Central Directory Anti-Drugs (DCAPN, Money Laundering Unit (MLU) and more. ¶F. Receipt: The process of receipt is as follows: (1) For items purchased and delivered by the GSO, after receiving the goods according to the purchase order, all items are inspected making sure that the quantities, condition and specifications are in compliance with the order that was placed. On the DS-127 form, a signature and date is required by the authorized host government person receiving the donation. For services rendered, for example, installation of power generators, etc, at the completion of the services, an inspection is made and, if in compliance, initials of the responsible person are entered thus stating that services were rendered in a satisfactory manner. For items delivered directly to the host government agencies receiving the donation, a written receipt is made on letter head of the GODR office stating quantities, models, serial numbers (if any),specifications of the goods; date, name and a signature are require on the receipt. In all cases proper receipt of donated good is acknowledged and documented. ¶3. Monitoring Procedures. ¶A. On-site Inspections: The number of scheduled on-site inspections performed: Two The number of unscheduled on-site inspections performed: Eleven The number of counterpart sites and cities visited: Thirteen sites in three cities were visited. The date and location of on-site inspections performed: 08/12/09 - Supreme Court (AG office),DNCD, DNCD (SIU),DNP (Plans),DNP (Micro-Trafficking),DNP HQ., DNP (IAU),DNP Academy 09/04/09 - DNCD 09/18/09 - Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) 09/20/09 - Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) 09/30/09 - Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) 10/01/09 - DNCD 10/23/09 - DNP 11/18/09 - DNCD (SIU),DNP (MLU),DNP (Academy),DNP (International Relations Office) 11/27/09 - DNCD 12/02/09 - DNCD (SIU) 12/14/09 - DNP (IAU) 12/16/09 - DNP (IAU),Dominican Navy Intelligence 12/23/09 - DNP (IAU) Note: For the most part, unscheduled inspections are made in the course of doing day-to-day business. When a USG official visits the GODR counterpart agency, the counterpart is asked to show those items donated in support of the projects and to verify the proper use and condition of the item. ¶B. Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status Other secondary methods of monitoring resources include reviewing repair invoices, GODR inventory records and discussions with host government officials. Approximately 10 percent of the items donated are monitored in this manner. ¶4. STATUS-COMMODITIES The status of all commodities purchased with INL funds and donated to the GODR is included on the attached Inventory Spreadsheets which include approximately 500 commodities. All required details are included on these spreadsheets to include date donated, type of commodity, location, condition and much more. Please refer to these attachments for this section of the report as it would not be practical to break out this large inventory by individual item or commodity. In addition to the attached spreadsheet information, the following paragraphs will provide additional information. ¶A. VESSELS and other associated commodities have been donated by the Military Advisory and Assistance Group (MAAG) using other than INL funds. In past years MAAG has donated four Vortex interceptor boats and three Boston Whaler boats and associated equipment. As reported to NAS, all vessels are in use in counternarcotics operation and are maintained in good condition. In addition, MAAG donated other commodities and arranged for training of Dominican military personnel. NAS is not privy to these purchases and donations and is not involved in their end use monitoring. MAAG has their own EUM system and reports separately; therefore, NAS will not comment on these items purchased with other than INL funds. ¶B. COMPUTER HARDWARE PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: All computer hardware donated to GODR institutions are operational and being used for the intended purposes. A total of 35 desktop computers were donated from August 2008 to December 2009 -- five (5) for the Anti-Money Laundering Unit at the DNP, two (2) for the Prosecutor General's office, two (2) for the community police at the DNP, twelve (12) for the internal affairs section on the DNP, one (1) for the international affairs section, six (6) for the DNP Planning Unit, and seven (7) to the DNP training Academy. Twenty-one (21) laptop computers were donated -- five (5) for the Anti-Laundering Unit at the DNP, two (2) for the community police, eleven (11) for the DNP Training academy, 2 (two) for citizen security training; one (1) for the SIU unit at the DNCD. A total of twenty-two (22) printer units were donated -- three (3) at the Anti-Money Laundering Unit at the DNP, two (2) at the Attorney General's office, two (2) at the DNP headquarters, one (1) at the central directory anti drugs of the DNP, one (1) for the community police, ten (10) units at the internal affairs section, three (3) units at the DNP Training Academy. Four digital Scanners were donated -- one (1) unit at the DNP, and three (3) units at the SIU Unit at the DNCD. Six (6) digital photo-copier machines were donated, each of the following offices has one unit: DNP, NAS office at the DNP, Anti-Money Laundering unit, Internal Affairs Unit, International Affairs Office, SIU unit at the DNCD. Three fax phone units were donated -- one (1) at the DNP Training Academy and two (2) at the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the DNP. Four external HDD were donated -- one (1) at the Anti-Money Laundering Unit at the DNP, and three (3) at the police training academy. Eleven (11) GPS units were donated to the SIU unit at the DNCD. All equipment was purchased using INL funds. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: A total of fifty-four (54) desk top computers were donated during 2009 -- sixteen (16) units to Financial Analysis Unit, a part of the National Drug Council, thirty-eight (38) desktops to the DNCD, as part of the updating of equipment, twelve (12) Dell laptop computers, fifteen (15) digital flat bed scanners and fifteen (15) UPS of 1000 VA as part of the updating of equipment at the DNCD, sixteen (16) printers; one to the financial analysis unit of the CND, and fifteen (15) units as part of the upgrading of equipment at the DNCD. Two digital photocopiers were donated -- one (1) to the Financial Analysis Unit and one (1) to the DNCD. Five (5) GPS units were donated to the Tactical Response Team of the DNCD. One (1) external 500 GB HHD was donated to the Financial Analysis Unit. ¶C. AIR CONDITIONING UNITS PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: Three (3) complete units were donated; two (2) units (one 5 Ton unit and an 18K Btu unit) donated to SIU-DNCD, and one (1) 36K BTU unit donated to the DNP training Academy. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: One (1) 12K BTU horizontal condenser donated to the SIU-DNCD. ¶D. GENERATOR SETS AND PARTS: PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: Spare parts for the UPS unit located at the OMEGA unit of the DNCD, a logic board unit required to prevent damages caused by power outages. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: An 80KW generator set donated to the Financial Analysis Unit, the item includes the installation costs. ¶E. GEAR PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: The Micro trafficking Unit of the DNP received a donation of 30 handcuffs with holsters; the police training academy received a variety of items for training purposes -- twenty (20) batons, and two hundred fifteen training handcuffs; the citizen security training at DNP received twelve (12) Rubber Beretta training handguns, six (6) Rubber M-16 rifles, six (6) rubber shotguns, twelve (12) rubber training knifes and a hundred (100) training batons with holsters. The SIU unit at the DNCD, received twenty (20) bullet-proof vests, ten (10) camelbacks as well other items such as sun glasses, holsters and flash lights. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: The tactical response team at the DNCD, received Forty (40) camelback mules, forty (40) pouches for M-16 magazines and twenty five (25) bullet-proof vests. ¶G. VIDEO EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: A total of twenty video/data projectors were donated by NAS to the following agencies -- three (3) to the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the DNP, five (5) to the DNP, eleven (11) to the police training academy, and one (1) to the citizen security training. A total of twenty two (22) digital cameras were donated -- two (2) to the DNP, six (6) to the internal affairs department of the DNP, eight (8) to the micro traffic unit at the DNP, four (4) for the police training academy, and two (2) to the SIU unit at the DNCD. A total twenty two (22) Video Camcorders were donated -- two (2) to the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the DNP, two (2) to the DNP, four (4) to the internal affairs unit at the DNP, five (5) to the DNP training academy, and nine (9) to the SIU unit at the DNCD. A total of eight (8) digital voice recorders were donated to the SIU unit at the DNCD. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: total of twenty-one (21 ) digital cameras, fifteen units (15) for the updating of equipment of the DNCD, and six (6) units to the M-2 Dominican Navy intelligence department. ¶H. FURNITURE PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: For this category one (1) rack for the power inverter was donated to the SIU-Omega Unit at the DNCD. The DNP training academy received five (5) metal desks, including a two-drawer file module; the office of NAS at the DNP received one (1) electric water cooler; the SIU unit at DNCD renovated the bathroom and shower. Other donations included one (1) shower cabin, two (2) soap Dispensers, one (1) water faucet, one (1) toilet; also a donation of twenty six (26) office chairs. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: The Financial Analysis Unit of the CND received three (3) desks and four (4) filing cabinets. ¶I. SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: A total of 16 sets of binoculars were donated -- twelve (12) to the SIU unit at the DNCD, and four (4) to the Anti-Money Laundering unit at the DNP. The internal affairs unit of the DNP received two (2) button hole cameras, two (2) portable media players, two (2) DVR motion activated, and two wireless cameras. The SIU unit at the DNCD received ten (10) digital microphones, and two (2) covert watch recorders. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: A CCTV and alarm system for the central offices of the Financial Analysis Unit of the CND was installed. The M-2 navy intelligence received ten (10) pen recorders and six (6) covert keychain recorders. ¶J. SOFTWARE PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: The DNCD Omega unit received three (3) single-user licenses for the Pen Lin V8 professional edition. The SIU unit at the DNCD three (3) Quicken Deluxe software programs, and the DNP training academy received a Rosetta Stone English Software lessons 1 thru 5. ¶K. COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH BI-LATERAL INCLE FUNDS: As per 2007 and 2008 reports no variations on the equipment donated, still as per 2008 report, twenty (20) portable Motorola Radios model 5150, two (2) mobile Motorola Pro 5100 radios, one (1) Radio Base station, 10 (ten) chargers, and 3 Icom Radio Trans-receivers. For the year 2009 the following additions to the EUM report were added: ten (10) Motorola Portable Radios Model Pro5150 with antennas. PURCHASED WITH MERIDA FUNDS: The Financial Analysis Unit received a complete IP Voice system, which included phones and installation. ¶L. VEHICLES: As of 2009, DNCD SIU has twenty-two (22) operational Vehicles, and six (6) motorcycles. In 2009 five new vehicles were purchased, SIU performs all preventive maintenance and DEA performs inspections on the condition of each vehicle. See attached spreadsheet for details. ¶M. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT The DNCD SIU received one (1) Vacuum Cleaner, and one (1) two Hp water pump, also the DITIS received 5 booster cables for vehicles. ¶N. CANINE PROGRAM Of the dogs donated to the DNCD in the past, most have met their useful life and are in the process of being retired. Four to six dogs will be retained in the program for another year or two. NAS has programmed money in 2010 to purchase replacement dogs and to provide training. ¶5. STATUS-SERVICES There were no INL funded construction projects or demand reduction services provided. ¶6. PROGRAM IMPACT In the year 2009, there was a substantial increase in the amount of drugs seized. Over 4 metric tons of cocaine alone was seized and this is the highest amount, with the exception of year 2006, seized in the past ten years. In addition, large amounts of marijuana and other drugs were seized as reported in the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) for 2009. The DNCD and DNP are aggressively pursuing Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) and succeeded in breaking up a major DTO headed by a fugitive from Puerto Rico. As a part of this investigation, over $5 million in cash, another 8 to 12 million dollars in assets and numerous weapons have been seized. This investigation is on-going as the fugitive is still at large and a reward has been offered for information. In addition, as a result of support provided to the DNCD Tactical Response Team (TRT),there has been an increase in the interdictions of drug laden aircraft drops and a resulting decrease in the number of these flights originating form South America. The DNP IAU has been actively investigating internal corruption and as a result, hundreds of corrupt police officials ranging in rank from Colonels to patrolmen have been disciplined, dismissed and prosecuted for offenses ranging from malingering to murder. The NAS sponsored programs in the Attorney General's office and Money Laundering Unit are paying off with increased seizures of illicitly obtained assets and more successful prosecutions. The Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) is up and functioning primarily due to the INL program. Previous to 2009, the UAF did not exist in its current configuration and this resulted in the Dominican Republic losing Egmont Certification. Now, with a functioning UAF that meets requirements, the Dominican Republic is seeking to have Egmont Certification reinstated. Overall, INL programs are paying off with a more professional police force and judicial system. In addition, INL programs are bringing various Dominican agencies together in a spirit of cooperation unseen in past years. For example, previously, the DNCD was the sole agency in the counternarcotics area and they operated independent of other agencies. Today, the DNCD, the DNP, Navy Intelligence and others are fully cooperating with each other and sharing information. Payoff: The results described above. ¶7. PROBLEMS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS N/A - NAS did not face any issues that would be considered problematic during the year 2009. However, as some of the on-hand equipment is aging, (e.g. some vehicles),during 2010 it will be necessary to assess the inventory to determine which items need to be disposed and replaced. ¶8. COMMENT The Santo Domingo NAS program is in the process of expanding due to the influx of Merida Initiative funds and the need to counter the increase in drugs transiting the Central Caribbean corridor. To manage this growing program, NAS created two new Locally Engaged Staff (LES) positions, a new Personal Service Contractor (PSC) position and has opened a new office in one of the embassy compounds. The LES financial and programs specialist came on board in February 2009 and in April 2009 NAS opened the new office. Subsequently, a LES Administrative Assistant was hired and started work in December 2009. This position has been designated to perform End Use Monitoring responsibilities. The Administrative Assistant has been working on a new inventory control system since coming on board on 21 December 2009 and the attached spreadsheets are a result of his efforts. In the future, NAS intends to improve EUM inventory control procedures and will work toward bar coding all donated equipment. A new PSC Counternarcotics Advisor has also been selected and is expected to come on board in the near future. This position will work closely with the DNCD and will do an assessment of the organization to ensure it has the equipment needed and has training programs in place to build the capacity of the DNCD in their counternarcotics efforts. An anticipated result of this program will be increased purchases of equipment and resulting donations to the DNCD. END COMMENT Lambert