VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHPE #0024/01 0091802
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091802Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY LIMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9833
INFO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA PRIORITY 6225
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA PRIORITY 8012
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO PRIORITY 2238

UNCLAS LIMA 000024 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INL/LP AND WHA/PPC 
ONDCP FOR LTCOL RONALD GARMEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC PREL PE
SUBJECT: LIMA NAS END OF MONTH REPORT - DECEMBER 
 
¶1. (U) Summary: 
 
* Police Report 
 
* Maritime Ports Program Report 
 
* Change in PNP Counterpart for ILEA Program 
 
* Eradication Report 
 
* Aviation Report 
 
* NAS Conducts Humanitarian Mission in VRAE 
 
------------- 
Police Report 
------------- 
 
¶2. (U) At the end of each year, the Peruvian National Police 
undergoes a rotation/reassignment of all personnel.  In an 
unusual move, though not unprecedented, the current head of 
the National Anti-drug Direction (DIRANDRO) General PNP 
Miguel Hidalgo has been confirmed by President Garcia to 
continue in his position for another year.  However, the PNP 
commanders of the anti-drug bases, the road interdiction 
units and the NAS sponsored police academies will be changed; 
the names are expected to be announced at the end of January. 
 
¶3. (U) For the month of December, DRIANDRO destroyed 1,225 
rustic laboratories; 19 HCL laboratories; 470 MT of chemical 
precursors and seized 11 metric tons of cocaine paste and 16 
metric tons of HCL  PNP located at the Mazamari base 
destroyed 18 hectares of Marihuana in the area of Chinchao. 
At the end of December, 480 Pre-academy students successfully 
completed their academic year.  They are expected to take the 
PNP Academy entrance exam within the coming month. 
 
---------------------------- 
Maritime Ports Program Report 
---------------------------- 
 
¶4. (U) Overall, NAS Maritime Ports sponsored units 
interdicted 1,873.66 kilos (1.8 Metric Tons) of cocaine HCL 
and 120,000 USD in the airport and seaport of Lima/Callao. 
Cases of note include the seizure of 597.87 kilos of HCL 
hidden in guano awaiting shipment from the port of Callao and 
the detection by canines and ion scans of one metric ton of 
cocaine mixed in a vitamin supplement/male enhancement herb 
destined for Hong Kong. 
 
¶5. (U) The Chemical Interdiction Unit raided six chemical 
laboratories in the Monzon.  The unit seized 582 gallons of 
kerosene, 1142 kilograms of sulfuric acid (which can produce 
approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine), 63 kilograms of 
sodium carbonate, and 74 kilograms of muriatic acid.  The 
total value seized is estimated at 240,000 USD. 
 
------------------------------------------ 
Change in PNP Counterpart for ILEA Program 
------------------------------------------ 
 
¶6. (U) The PNP Operations Manager for the ILEA program, 
General Adolfo Mattos, has been transferred to a new posting 
in the northern part of Peru.  Beginning January, ILEA 
responsibilities have been transferred to DIRANDRO. 
 
----------------- 
Eradication Report 
----------------- 
 
¶7. (U) The original goal for eradication in 2008 was set at 
8,000 hectares for the year.  By end of operations in 
mid-December, 10143.12 hectares was eradicated for the year. 
(338.01 completed in December)  Eradication operations for 
2009 are expected to begin mid January. 
 
--------------- 
Aviation Report 
-------------- 
 
¶10. (U) Beginning December 15th, Aviation assets and 
personnel were redeployed to the Main Operating Base at 
Pucallpa for the holiday stand-down period.  Flight crews 
were reduced to the minimum required to cover emergencies and 
required post-maintenance test flights. DynCorp and PNP 
maintenance crews conducted phase and other critical 
maintenance during this period.  Flight crews at Palma Pampa 
PNP base were reduced from five flight crews to 2.5 and the 
number of helicopters have been reduced from five to three, 
however, limited interdiction operations continued throughout 
the holidays.  Furthermore, Peruvian Armed Forces joint with 
special counter terrorism PNP units conducted combat 
operations through the holiday season.  Unfortunately, one 
Peruvian soldier was killed when a Peruvian Air Force MI-17 
helicopter was hit by small arms fire during operations. 
 
----------------------------------------- 
NAS Conducts Humanitarian Mission in VRAE 
----------------------------------------- 
 
 
¶11. (U) In an effort to encourage good relations between the 
local population and the PNP, the NAS Director, Senior 
Aviation Advisor, Police Programs Advisors, General Hidalgo 
and NAS support staff visited the PNP base at Palma Pampa in 
order to make a charitable donation to the local medical 
clinic.  NAS donated dental hygiene products, blankets and 
toys for the local children.  This particular clinic is the 
only serviceable clinic with a Doctor for over twenty 
communities.  NAS and the PNP have conducted several service 
projects with this clinic in the past to include improving 
the water system, structural repairs, paint, and equipment 
donations to the maternity ward.  Palma Pampa continues to be 
a strong narco-controlled area and service projects such as 
this donation are part of the strategy to increase community 
support for the PNP and its CN activities. 
MCKINLEY