VZCZCXYZ0008
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMN #0825 2492021
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 062021Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6235
INFO RUCNMER/MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 2538
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 0443
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ SEP SANTIAGO 2901
RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000825 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT ALSO FOR WHA/BSC AND INL/LP (JHIDES) 
BUENOS AIRES PLS PASS DEA ANTHONY GRECO 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR PREL KCRM UY
SUBJECT: MAJOR COCAINE BUST IN URUGUAY 
 
REF: STATE 00141871 
 
¶1. (U) On September 5-6, the Uruguayan National Police's 
anti-drug unit DGRTID scored major success against 
international narco-traffickers operating here.  The unit's 
"Operation Chimed" resulted in the largest cocaine HCl 
seizure (over 300 kg) in Uruguayan history.  Police arrested 
twenty-four individuals from Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, 
Peru, Colombia and Korea in connection with the case.  A 
cocaine laboratory with chemicals, reprocessing and 
repackaging equipment was raided, and six luxury vehicles, 
100,000 Euros, USD 31,000 (in cash) and a number of suitcases 
specially designed to smuggle drugs were seized at various 
locations in and around Montevideo. 
 
¶2. (SBU) On September 6, DGRTID's Director, Inspector Julio 
Guarteche told Emboffs that he was most grateful for the 
cooperation Uruguay had received from the US, particularly 
from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).  He said that the 
high-quality cocaine appeared destined for Europe, but that 
he also had indications that some of the narco-trafficking 
organization's "investment money" originated in the United 
States.  Guarteche said DGRTID was still investigating money 
laundering and other international dimensions of the case, 
including problems along the porous, largely un-patrolled 
border with Brazil. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Comment: While perhaps not so large by some 
countries' standards, Operation Chimed is big news here. 
Ordinary citizens have become increasingly fed up with the 
mounting crime wave fueled by a flood of cheap coca paste. 
To us, both indicators point to Uruguay's increasing role in 
the international drug circuit.  However, no INL funds are 
slated to assist Uruguay in the drug fight this year 
(reftel).  Further details on Operation Chimed will be 
reported septel as appropriate.  End Comment. 
Nealon