US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA9402

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 BOGOTA 009402 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR INL/LP AND INL/RM 
DEPT FOR WHA/AND 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR, SENV, KCRM, PTER, CO 
SUBJECT: NAS MONTHLY REPORT FOR AUGUST 2005 
 
REF: BOGOTA 8041 
 
1. (SBU) Summary:  During August, NAS was the control office 
for a two-person StaffDel from the Senate Appropriations 
Subcommittee for Foreign Affairs.  The aerial eradication 
program sprayed approximately 10,087 hectares of coca and 78 
hectares of poppy for a total of 111,946 hectares of coca 
and 1,557 hectares of poppy sprayed through August.  The 
program had one aircraft mishap and a total of 16 incidents 
in which spray aircraft received 26 impacts, while ISS helos 
received 14 impacts in three incidents. COLAR Aviation flew 
a total of 1,559 hours in support of eradication efforts. 
The ABD program impounded one aircraft and arrested four 
persons.  The Colombian National Police (CNP) seized over 10 
metric tons of cocaine HCL and destroyed seven HCL labs 
during the month, while fifteen EMCAR police were killed by 
an improvised explosive device.  A Colombian Government 
resolution authorized the possibility of spraying coca in 
the country's national parks if certain conditions are met. 
Accordingly, NAS and the Public Affairs section are 
coordinating a public affairs strategy for possible future 
aerial spraying of coca in national parks.  End Summary. 
 
 
StaffDel Grove-Hawkins 
---------------------- 
 
2. (SBU) Staffers Paul Grove and Tom Hawkins of the Senate 
Appropriations Subcommittee for Foreign Affairs vistited 
Colombia from August 29-31.  The Staffers met with President 
Uribe, Peace Commissioner Restrepo, Vice-MOD Penate, various 
NGOs, and other prominent Colombian citizens and government 
officials.  The Staffdel spent significant time looking at 
and talking about Air Bridge Denial, Aerial Eradication, 
Police Aviation, Colombian Army Helicopters, and 
Demobilization.  The visit was very positive, and the 
Staffers seemed pleased with the briefings they received 
about NAS operations in Colombia. 
 
Eradication 
----------- 
 
3. (SBU)  During the month of August, OV-10s operating from 
Larandia sprayed approximately 4,472 hectares, AT-802s 
operating from Barrancabermeja sprayed approximately 3,776 
hectares of coca, and T-65s operating from Saravena sprayed 
1,839 hectares of coca.  This resulted in approximately 
10,087 hectares of coca sprayed in August, for a total of 
more than 111,946 hectares of coca sprayed through August 
2005. 
 
4. (SBU) In August, 78 hectares of poppy were sprayed during 
the first week, and thereafter the T-65's were moved to the 
Department of Arauca for their coca campaign.  Through 
August, 1,547 hectares of poppy have been sprayed in 2005. 
We are approximately 20,000 hectares ahead on coca goals but 
are still finding it difficult to identify poppy cultivation 
that will help us reach the goal of 3,000 for this year. 
Spray pilots believe that poppy cultivation in national 
parks and indigenous areas may be increasing. 
 
5. (SBU) An AT-802 spray aircraft inadvertently left the 
runway during take-off at Barrancabermeja this month. During 
the mishap, one of the main landing gear struts was ripped 
from the aircraft, causing the aircraft prop and wing to 
make contact with the ground.  The aircraft will be sent to 
the U.S. factory for repair.  The cause of the accident is 
under investigation. 
 
6. (SBU) Eradication aircraft were involved in 16 incidents 
involving hostile fire during August, resulting in a total 
of 26 impacts for the month.  The AT-802s received eight 
impacts, the OV-10Ds six impacts, and the T-65s 12 impacts. 
In the Infrastructure Security Strategy (ISS) Program, UH-1H 
IIs received 14 impacts.  Total impacts for the month are 40 
in 19 separate incidents. 
 
7. (SBU) Four of the eleven eradication UH-1Ns are fully 
mission capable, four are in phase maintenance, and the 
remaining seven have extensive structural/sheet metal repair 
requirements limiting operational readiness rates for this 
month.  This OR rate has lead DynCorp to subcontract one 
"test" phase inspection to Vertical Aviation in order to 
expand maintenance capabilities.  To accomplish spray 
operations, the eradication program borrowed five UH-1Ns 
from the Plan Colombia Helicopter Program (PCHP).  This in 
turn limited PCHP's capability to support additional 
security forces outside of spray areas of operation. 
 
Colombian Army (COLAR) Aviation 
------------------------------- 
 
8. (SBU) This month the Plan Colombia Helicopter Program 
(PCHP) continued to support eradication efforts in Colombia 
while steadily moving forward towards the 2005 
nationalization goals.  This month alone the program flew 
1,558.9 flight hours, broken down by airframe as follows: 
UH60 206.1 hours, UH1N 727.2 hours, UHII 551.3 hours, and K- 
Max 74.3 hours. 
 
9. (SBU) In the UH1N and UHII programs, managers were able 
to schedule seven pilot-in-command check rides and to 
complete a total of 20 annual evaluations for pilots.  This 
is a very positive result considering the current 
operational tempo.  UH60 pilot training continues with the 
graduation of Group 10.  All members of this group are 
Colombian Army (COLAR) pilots that have either been flying 
FMS UH60s or are recent graduates of the aircraft 
qualification course.  The purpose of the training is to 
integrate them into the PCHP aircrew training program (ATP) 
and to conduct mission training qualification.  To date 87 
Colombian Army pilots have completed this training. 
 
10. (SBU) On the nationalization front, the PCHP certified 
three additional UHII mechanics, for a total of 44 UHII 
certified mechanics.  There are 32 UH60 and 50 UH1N 
certified mechanics, bringing the total of certified 
mechanics available to 126. 
 
11. (SBU) The most serious issue facing the PCHP 
nationalization program is the Helicopter Battalion's 
(BAHEL) inability to fill UH60 pilot-in-command positions at 
Forward Operating Locations (FOLs).  This month they were 
only able to field the requisite number of pilots-in-command 
52 percent of the time.  Even taking into account mitigating 
circumstances, this is more of trend than an isolated 
incident and will be exacerbated when Colombia begins to 
receive the eight UH60 helos that are being purchased with 
GOC funding. 
 
12. (SBU) In the month of August, the PCHP participated in 
eradication support operations from Larandia, 
Barrancabermeja, and Saravena.  Additionally, the program 
was called on to support a High Value Target (HVT) mission 
from San Jose. 
 
Counter-Drug Brigade 
-------------------- 
 
13. (SBU) The Counter-Drug Brigade (CD BDE) continued to 
support spray operations in Barrancabermeja (Third 
Battalion) and Caqueta/Putumayo (Second Battalion).  The 
First Battalion was in Larandia receiving training from the 
U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Group. 
 
14. (SBU) The National Directorate on Dangerous Drugs (DNE) 
completed a NAS-sponsored training program with the last of 
the CD Brigade's three operational battalions.  The DNE 
trained the soldiers on the proper identification, safe 
handling, and proper destruction of chemical substances 
found in drug processing labs. 
 
Air Bridge Denial (ABD) 
------------------------ 
 
15. (SBU) In August 2005, 4,858 tracks were sorted over 
Colombia, of which 22 were declared Unknown, Assumed Suspect 
(UAS) aircraft.  The Host Nation did not respond to five of 
these.  One was further identified as friendly, and four 
were near international borders.  The Colombian Air Force 
coordinated with the Colombian National Police (CNP) to have 
the police meet three UAS on landing, and the tracker was 
unable to locate the UAS on nine occasions.  Of the three 
UAS that CNP personnel responded to, two were cleared, and 
the third resulted in four arrests and one aircraft 
impounded.  No narcotics were seized. 
 
CNP Aviation (ARAVI) 
--------------------- 
 
16. (SBU) ARAVI's fleet flew 2,276 hours in August.  The UH- 
1H II helicopters flew 721 hours with an operational 
readiness (OR) rate of 49 percent. (Twenty-six percent of 
the fleet were in depot due to major structural repairs.) 
The Bell 212 helicopters flew 274 hours with an operational 
readiness rate of 71 percent, and the UH-60L helicopters 
flew 208 hours with an operational readiness rate of 70 
percent.  ARAVI started training a COLAR pilot and a 
mechanic in the Cessna Caravan as part of a qualification 
program for the pending arrival of a Caravan for the COLAR 
program.  Furthermore, ARAVI successfully completed a number 
of Relevo (rotations), which supported five departments and 
32 police stations with aerial transportation of personnel 
and equipment.  Total flight hours expended in this phase of 
Relevo was 143. 
 
CNP Interdiction 
------------ 
 
17. (SBU)  In August, the CNP seized over 10 metric tons of 
HCL and coca base bringing their year-to-date total to over 
70 metric tons.  These stats are only for the CNP and do not 
include the armed forces of Colombia.  Seven HCL 
laboratories were destroyed, bringing that total to 77 HCL 
laboratories. 
 
18. (SBU) The CNP and Air Force conducted a joint airmobile 
operation near El Plateado, Cauca Department (40 miles west 
of Popayan), from August 21-23 against the Revolutionary 
Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).  Secondary targets included 
FARC leadership, cocaine and arms caches, and cocaine HCL 
labs.  The results of the operation were negative. 
 
19. (SBU)  From August 29-31, the CNP's Anti-Narcotics 
Directorate (DIRAN) and the Colombian Air Force hit a 
cocaine HCL Lab only 12 miles south of El Plateado.  A total 
of 547 kilos of pure cocaine (ready for shipment) and 80 
kilos of cocaine base were uncovered in a "caleta" (cache) 
near the HCL lab.  The narcotraffickers disguised the HCL 
lab by putting it inside a rural farm house, surrounded by 
sugar cane fields.  The farm house also included an adjacent 
sugar factory.  This is the first time DIRAN has ever seen 
this particular camouflage technique. 
 
20. (SBU)  On August 30, the DIRAN  hit a cocaine HCL lab 
near Buga, Valle del Cauca (50 miles north of Cali), and 250 
kilos of pure cocaine were captured on site. 
 
21. (SBU) On August 31, DIRAN hit a large precursor chemical 
storage site, 40 miles west of Popayan.  These precursor 
chemicals were supporting both coca base and cocaine HCL 
labs in this region. 
 
Reestablish Police Presence (Carabineros) 
---------------------------------------- 
 
22. (SBU) Three new Mobile Carabineros Squadrons (EMCAR) 
started in August and will graduate from the basic seven- 
week course at Espinal in September.  The three EMCAR 
squadrons-in-training were deployed to Caldas Department to 
help with security during a Colombian holiday on 15 August. 
 
23. (SBU) On August 1, 15 EMCAR policemen were killed in 
Cesar Department by an improvised explosive device that 
completely destroyed the 2.5 ton-equivalent truck in which 
the policemen were traveling.  The bomb was wire detonated 
from 300 meters away.  On August 2, an operation was 
launched to gather intelligence in the area and was followed 
by an operation with one EMCAR squadron that began on August 
17.  The results were 16 persons captured and the disruption 
of the FARC infrastructure in the area.  The 44 EMCAR 
operational squadrons are increasingly involved with 
providing security for manual eradication groups and with 
security for the major lines of communications throughout 
the country. 
 
24. (SBU) From January to July the EMCAR squadrons have 
captured 236 narco-traffickers and 556 members of terrorist 
groups (356 FARC/ELN, 210 AUC).  EMCAR squadrons also seized 
38,946 gals of liquid precursors, 47,832 kgs of solid 
precursors, 3,673 kgs of coca base, and 2,458 kgs of 
marijuana and recovered 275 vehicles. 
 
Manual Spray Eradication 
------------------------ 
 
25. (SBU) NAS continues to support police units in the 
department of Boyaca conducting manual spray eradication via 
backpack sprayers. One hundred sixty (160) gallons of 
glyphosate were delivered during August to five police units 
in the eastern Boyaca area.  NAS is awaiting human rights 
vetting for other police units to expand the program. 
 
Training 
-------- 
26. (SBU) In August, NAS processed a total of 26 DIRAN 
police students to attend courses in the United States. 
Also during August, the CNP completed its purchase of 
"Pijaos," a 1,700 hectare ranch in Tolima Department.  For 
several years now, the ranch owner had permitted the DIRAN 
Junglas and the Carabinero squadrons to conduct field 
training there.  Pijaos is an excellent field training site, 
about three hours drive from Bogota.  The CNP, with some NAS 
assistance, plans to build a national field training base 
there.  Some joint training with the Colombian Navy and 
Marines may also be conducted at Pijaos. 
 
Port Security Program 
--------------------- 
 
27. (SBU) During August, NAS coordinated a visit by Customs 
and Border Patrol to the port cities of Barranquilla and 
Buenaventura.  The purpose of the visit was to provide 
technical assistance to the Anti-Narcotics Police on new 
equipment.  Also during the month, NAS coordinated a visit 
by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  The purpose 
of the visit was to study the possibility of implementing 
DHS's Container Security Initiative (CSI) in Colombia.  If 
implemented, CSI would be implemented in close coordination 
with NAS's Port Security Program.  During the visit DHS 
personnel met with officials from both the public and 
private sector. 
 
Polygraph Unit 
-------------- 
 
28. (SBU) The NAS-sponsored DIRAN polygraph unit completed 
testing of DIRAN personnel working at Bogota's El Dorado 
airport, as well as testing of the Airport Police.  The 
results: almost 50 percent of DIRAN personnel and 38 percent 
of the Airport Police did not pass the test.  These 
individuals are being transferred out of DIRAN.  The unit 
also initiated testing of DIRAN personnel at the port of 
Buenaventura, where 38 percent of the personnel failed to 
pass the test by the end of August.  Testing continues in 
Buenaventura for both DIRAN and the Customs Police (POLFA). 
 
Environment 
----------- 
 
29. (SBU) On August 17, Colombian government officials 
signed a resolution that could allow aerial spraying of coca 
in the national parks if certain conditions are met.  The 
first park under consideration for spraying is "La 
Macarena," located in the southeastern department of Meta, 
formerly a part of the "zona de despeje" or demilitarized 
zone (reftel).   NAS officials met with DIRAN to analyze the 
resolution and made some recommendations to avoid possible 
problems in the future. 
 
30. (SBU) NAS environmental personnel provided training to 
DynCorp pilots on Colombian Ministry of Environment 
regulations.  NAS personnel also participated in meetings 
with the indigenous communities of the Motilon-Bari National 
Park in the North of Santander.  Community leaders signed an 
agreement to allow eradication of coca in the indigenous 
reserves. 
 
August Verification of Claims 
----------------------------- 
 
31. (SBU) In southern Bolivar and Santander Departments, 150 
claims of damage to crops by aerial spray were investigated. 
In all claims, the claimants were found to have illicit 
crops planted.  No compensation was paid.  In Antioquia 
Department, one claim for damage to plant and tree seedbeds 
belonging to a company named ASORPAR and the Autonomous 
Regional Corporation of Antioquia was paid in the amount of 
$90,000,000 Colombian pesos, or approximately $40,000 USD. 
 
NAS/PAS - Public Affairs Strategy 
--------------------------------- 
 
32. (SBU) NAS and the Public Affairs Section (PAS) met to 
coordinate public affairs strategies to improve the negative 
perception of the aerial spray program, especially in 
regards to potential spraying in the national parks.  As 
part of the ongoing efforts, NAS coordinated an over-flight 
of the Macarena National Park for Magistrates of the Supreme 
Court, Senators, representatives of NGOs, and journalists to 
show the destruction caused by the cultivation of coca in 
the national parks.  This is the latest in a series of 
flights that have included the participation of the Vice 
President of Colombia.  These flights have been instrumental 
in helping to change the negative opinions and perceptions 
of many of these influential individuals with regards to 
possible aerial spraying of illicit crops in the national 
parks. 
 
Deserter Program 
---------------- 
 
33.  (SBU) During August, there were 240 deserters, with an 
average of eight to ten deserters a day.  The breakdown for 
this month is: 118 FARC; 107 AUC; 11 ELN; and 4 others. 
These are individual or small groups of deserters and are 
not demobilized individuals. 
 
34. (SBU) The Ministry of Defense (MOD) Desertion Program 
totaled 7,976 deserters to date since President Uribe took 
office.  The breakdown of deserters to date is:  3,978 FARC; 
2,694 AUC; 1,082 ELN; and 222 other organizations. 
 
35. (SBU) Within the last two months, we have witnessed what 
the Colombian military is calling massive desertions.  These 
are groups of deserters from the same organization and 
structure.  Radio broadcasts are the number one means for 
reaching deserters and informing/promoting them to desert. 
The focus of this program is on duplicating and promoting 
mass desertion. 
 
36. (SBU) Deserters are no longer afraid of violations of 
their human rights by public security forces.  When 
questioned, the main reason for deserting continues to be 
mistreatment by and disillusion with the respective 
organization, followed by public security forces pressure on 
the battlefield, and, lastly, family and financial needs. 
 
NAS/Bureau of Prisons (BOP) 
--------------------------- 
 
37. (SBU) During August, NAS/BOP sponsored a group of 
officials from the Ministry of Interior and Justice to 
evaluate prison conditions and collect information on 
penitentiary infrastructure.  NAS/BOP also sponsored a group 
of six officers from the GOC Bureau of Prisons (INPEC in 
Spanish) to attend a canine training course.  Also during 
the month, NAS/BOP sponsored three officials from INPEC to 
attend the Annual Correctional Congress in Baltimore. 
 
38. (SBU) Lastly, the NAS/BOP representative met with 
contractors to review and correct electrical, electronic, 
security, and architectural aspects of new prison designs 
with the assistance of two Federal Bureau of Prisons 
experts. 
 
WOOD