US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO1616

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001616 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
NEW DELHI FOR ICE LIAISON REP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MV, SNAR, Maldives 
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR FUNDING OF COUNTERDRUG (CD) DETECTION 
AND MONITORING EQUIPMENT SUPPORT FOR MALDIVES CUSTOMS 
SERVICE 
 
1.  (SBU) The U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka request approval of 
$121,000 CD funds to be used in the acquisition of 
counterdrug detection and monitoring equipment for front-line 
Maldives Customs officers inspecting maritime conveyances. 
CD funds for equipment acquisition will enhance detection and 
monitoring efforts and contribute to the USPACOM Regional 
Maritime Security Initiative by enhancing partner nation law 
enforcement capabilities. 
 
2.  (SBU) USG contacts with the Maldives Government indicate 
it is concerned that its country may increasingly become a 
transhipment point for drug traffickers transitting the 
Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean.  The Maldives Government is 
sensitive to illicit drug issues and report that most drugs 
enter the country by sea.  The trade may be linked to its 
30,000 foreign workforce, mainly Indians and Sri Lankans. 
 
3.  (SBU) The U.S. Department of Homeland 
Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) New Delhi, 
India Attach, having area responsibility for the Republic of 
Maldives, has identified CD equipment requirements that 
improve maritime law enforcement  effectiveness within 
littoral waters of the Republic of Maldives.  The GoRM 
provides important access for U.S. vessels and aircraft and 
is a strong supporter of U.S. efforts to combat terrorism. 
Maintaining strong relations with the GoRM is essential to 
U.S. security interests.  All CD equipment use will be 
closely coordinated through the ICE Attach to ensure optimum 
CD maritime benefit.  Both ICE and DEA Attachs have 
identified maritime CD detection and monitoring equipment as 
a priority request for the Maldives Customs Service.  The ICE 
Attach will provide appropriate equipment training of 
Maldives Customs in conjunction with this request.  All CD 
interdiction and seizure reporting will be shared with the 
U.S. Federal Law Enforcement. 
 
4.  (SBU)  According to ICE/ New Delhi, DHS/ICE HQ, Foreign 
Operations concurs with this request for CD equipment funds 
via JIATF West ICE Liaison Representative SSA Scott Lawrence. 
 
5.  List of Detection and Monitoring Equipment to be acquired 
includes: 
 
Quantity   Description            Est. Price  Remarks 
 
   3   Contraband Detection Kit     37,000   For vessels 
   3   Fiberoptic Scope Kit         21,000   5-ft cable 
   2   Buster Contraband Detector   10,000   Density device 
   1   Extension Probe Set           5,000 
   6   Laser Rangefinder             2,000   Measurements 
   6   Marine Radio Equipment       22,000 
   4   Personal Radiation Detectors  6,000 
   6   Magnifying Device Kit         7,000   Forensic Exams 
   3   Video/Micro Recorder Kit      4,000 
   4   Drug Field Test Kits          3,000 
   X   Misc. Insp./Search Equipment 
       and  Associated Devices       4,000 
TOTAL NOTIONAL COST:             $ 121,000 
 
6.  (SBU) Upon approval, AmEmbassy Sri Lanka requests JIATF 
West/J05 Direct Map Requirements directly to: AmEmbassy New 
Delhi, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement - ICE Attach - James L. Dozier / 
American Center, New Delhi / Tel. 91-11-2331-0081 / Fax: 
91-11-2331 8382, MIPR Remarks:  Approval authority to be held 
for DHS/ICE Attach James L. Dozier.  Request MIPR info copy 
to American Embassy Sri Lanka, Attn.:  Dean Thompson.  MIPR 
Purpose:  CD Equipment Requirements for   Maldives Customs. 
 
7.  (SBU) Direct all non-MIPR questions/responses to ICE 
Attach James L. Dozier at tel.: 011-91-11-2331 0081, Fax: 
011-91-11-2331 8382 or Assistant ICE Attach Kevin Stephenson 
at tel.:  011-91-11-2331-0080. 
 
8. (U) Info:  U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka (Colombo) serves 
concurrently as the Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives. 
 
LUNSTEAD