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