VZCZCXYZ0009
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHME #3116 3022135
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 292135Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8829
INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/HQ BICE INTEL WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE

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