US embassy cable - 04BOGOTA12769

UNCLAS BOGOTA 012769 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR INL AND WHA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR, PTER, MOPS, CO 
SUBJECT: COUNTER DRUG BRIGADE SHUTS DOWN TWO HCL LABS IN 
GUAVIARE 
 
1. (SBU) On November 26 and 27, elements of the Plan 
Colombia-supported Counter Drug (CD) Brigade captured two 
FARC cocaine hydrochloride (HCL) labs during Operation 
Hurricane in Guaviare department. 
 
2. (SBU) The first lab, in the Vaupes river/Miraflores area, 
had two chemical recycling vats (marcianos) and 30 microwave 
ovens.  The lab had an estimated peak capacity of 10 metric 
tons of cocaine HCL per month.  At the second lab, which was 
in the same general area, the CD Brigade captured chemicals 
and equipment for processing and packaging cocaine HCL. 
 
3. (SBU) Through analysis of the location and description of 
the lab, CD Brigade Intelligence Officer determined that the 
first captured lab had been identified in January, 2004.  At 
that time the informant was taken to the United States and 
was not available to lead an assault on target. Another 
informant subsequently led the CD Brigade to the lab. 
 
4. (SBU) Thus far this year the CD Brigade has captured or 
destroyed 10 cocaine HCL labs and seized 76 kgs of cocaine 
HCL and 538 kgs of cocaine base. 
WOOD