VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHGT #1250/01 2801521
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 061521Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6205
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF STATE AIR WING PATRICK AFB FL

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001250 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR INL/LP, DAS CHRISTY MCCAMPBELL AND AIMEE 
MARTIN 
DEPARTMENT FOR INL/RM, JAMES WALSH 
EMBASSIES FOR NAS 
PAFB FOR SHARON NELL 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC PREL GT
SUBJECT:  BI-WEEKLY REPORTING CABLE FOR PERIOD ENDING 
09/26/08 ? NARCOTICS AFFAIRS SECTION 
 
(U) 1. SUMMARY: This cable provides a summary of NAS 
activities in Guatemala covering the period ending 
September 26, 2008.  End Summary. 
 
------------------------ 
¶2. NARCOTICS 
------------------------ 
(U) a. NAS attended a meeting on September 8 at the 
National Port Commission (CPN)which addressed the GOG?s 
new policy on Port Security. In attendance at the meeting 
were the Ministry of Government (MOG) representative, 
three Port Police (DIPA) commanders with the three DIPA 
officers responsible for the Guatemalan ports, the heads 
of the port security program from each port, members of 
the CPN and NAS.  The purpose of the meeting was to 
develop a plan under which the funds that are collected 
from the shipping companies will be used to support port 
security operations.  This plan will be modeled after the 
Cartagena Colombia Port Security Program.  The 
development of this plan will then be presented to the 
numerous government entities for implementation. 
(U) b. On September 9, NAS and other members of the 
Embassy attended the monthly working group meeting at the 
Civil Aviation Agency (DGAC).  Numerous members of the 
MOG, DIPA and Immigration were in attendance.  The focal 
point of this meeting was the integration of the Tax 
Agency (SAT) into current airport security operations. 
SAT presented their future plans for screening passengers 
and the use of scanners which they hope to install at the 
airport. 
 
(U) c. The FIAAT (the local JTF for anti-drug and 
terrorism) began air assault training. This was conducted 
at a deserted military base near Escuintla with 
assistance from DEA.  The training lasted two days. 
 
(U) d. NAS met on September 10 with the Inspector General 
of the Guatemalan police (PNC) regarding corruption 
issues within both the local DEA (SAIA) and DIPA. The 
Inspector General was aware of the problems and stated 
that he will address them. 
 
(U) e. NAS fully supported the recent change of the SAIA 
Director.  The new Director has completed the vetting 
process and passed all the requirements.  His transfer to 
SAIA is seen as a necessary move to improve the 
performance of SAIA. 
 
------------------------ 
¶3. RULE OF LAW 
------------------------ 
(U) a. From September 8 to 10, the Attorney General?s 
Office?s (MP) Private Secretary, Fanuel Garcia and 
Guatemalan vetted unit (UNILAT) Prosecutor Francisco 
Rivas, visited Puerto Rico to continue training on the 
use of undercover operations and wire intercepts. 
Different Puerto Rican and federal authorities explained 
to them operational and administrative issues such as 
personnel selection and training, required equipment and 
security. 
 
(U) b. According to the agreed schedule, the delegates 
from the MOG, MP, the local Demand Reduction Agency 
(SECCATID) and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) finished 
preparing the draft agreement to be presented to the 
Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) on the sharing and 
distribution of seized assets. 
 
------------------------ 
¶4. POLICE 
----------------------- 
(U) a. A new Director General was named to head up the 
PNC.  Director Marlene Blanco, the new Director, has 
advised NAS that she wants to continue all NAS projects 
and requested a briefing on NAS projects.  She also 
stated that she is in agreement with the NAS 
recommendation to fully vet the PNC Criminal 
Investigation Unit (DINC) of the police.  Although a new 
QInvestigation Unit (DINC) of the police.  Although a new 
Sub Director of Investigations has not yet been named, 
vetting will commence immediately and will be coordinated 
with NAS.  Specialized training will be programmed to 
support the PNC DINC. 
 
(U) b. Due to the numerous changes in senior positions in 
 
 
the PNC, NAS will be working closely with the new PNC 
Director General of the police to ensure continuity of 
programs and to initiate regional projects as set forth 
under Plan Merida. 
 
------------------------ 
¶5. DEMAND REDUCTION 
------------------------ 
(U) a. NAS met with SECCATID to develop a detailed 
spending plan for SECCATID, based on the new National 
Drug Policy and resulting Strategic Plan. 
 
(U) b. Enough agents have finally cleared vetting to 
proceed with setup for the first Police Athletic League 
in Villa Nueva.  NAS met with community leaders and Edgar 
Camargo from SECCATID to plan the next steps in the 
process. 
 
------------------------ 
¶6. AVIATION SUPPORT 
------------------------ 
 
(U) a. NAS made contact with Lt Col Franco, logistics 
coordinator for the Guatemalan Air Force, to establish 
communication regarding use of their fuel during NAS air 
operations. 
 
 
(U) b. On Monday, 22 September the FIAAT (both ground and 
aviation sections) deployed to Cuilapa, Santa Rosa to 
support mobile road block operations.  This was both an 
actual operation and a testing/training opportunity where 
there was the opportunity to test the logistics, teamwork 
and tactics of the FIAAT. The deployment from both an 
aviation and ground point of view was a valuable learning 
experience. A debrief meeting will be held in early 
October to document the multiple lessons learned and to 
adjust, where necessary, strategy and tactics. 
 
(U) c. Due to inclement weather, it has been difficult to 
finish the mountain portion of the special mission 
training. 
 
(U) d. On October 6 the FIAAT is scheduled to do an opium 
poppy recon in the western highlands of Guatemala. 
 
------------------------ 
¶7. OTHER ISSUES 
------------------------ 
(U) All LOAs for INACIF, Demand Reduction, the Attorney 
General?s Office and the Ministry of Government were 
signed  no later than September 30, 2008. 
 
MCFARLAND