Document: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

MEXICO CITY

Background

EUM Program Coordinators

Fred Schellenberg, IT Infrastructure Adviser, Tel: 52-55-5080, ext. 4102,
SchellenbergergFA@state.gov

Paul Mahlstedt, Law Enforcement Adviser, Tel: 52-55-5080-2000, ext. 4534,
MahlstedtPW@state.gov

William Carroll, Border/POE Security Coordinator, Tel: 52-55-5080-2000, ext 4185, Carrollwj@state.gov

Andrew Zgolinski, Aviation Adviser, tel: 52-55-5080-2000, ext, 4192,
ZgolinskiAB@state.gov

Gabriel, Lara, FSN Storekeeper, Tel: 52-55-5080-2000, ext. 4416,
LaraG@state.gov

Inventory System
Post does not have an automated inventory system to record and track the distribution of resources provided to Mexican government agencies and to maintain and retrieve End Use Monitoring Information. The information is kept in a spreadsheet and regularly updated. Parallel records are kept by the individual project coordinator and NAS accountant. They are updated periodically through field vests, the comparison of USG written records with GOM written records, and through discussions held with GOM contacts.

Staff Member EUM Responsibilities

William Carroll
Border Security Projects (BS) Adviser. Mrs. Carroll serves as the project advisor for all projects falling under the Border Security Program area. The BSP coordinator regularly performs on-site visits throughout Mexico's POE's and gathers End Use Monitoring information through verbal communications with GOM contacts.

Fred Schellenberg
IT projects and Infrastructure Adviser. Mr. Schellenberg advises GOM agencies on matters related to IT; maintains ongoing communications with GOM contacts; and assesses the use of donated equipment associated with IT projects.

Andrew Zgolinski
Aviation Adviser-Mr. Zgolinski advises GOM agencies on all aviation related matters dealing with anti-narcotics operations, i.e., training, maintenance, equipment, etc. End Use information is gathered by regular on-site visits with the assistance of FSN Gabriel Lara, written weekly and monthly reports, and verbal communications with GOM contacts.

Other USG Agency Assistance
Drug Enforcement Administration (DOJ/DEA) Office of Defense Coordination (DOD/OCD) Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS/CBP/ICE)
These agencies collaborated frequently with the NAS to achieve mission plans. Of these agencies, the NAS collaborated frequently with DHS/CBP in the identification, testing, selection, implementation, and analysis of non-intrusive inspection equipment (NII)

Counterpart Agencies
Office of the Attorney General (PGR)
Secretariat of Public Security (SSP)
Secretariat of Government (SEGOB)
Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA)
Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit, Customs (SAT)
Secretariat of Public Health's National Commission for Protection against Health
Risks (COFEPRIS)
Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT)
Federal Preventive Police (PFP) National Immigration Institute (INAMI)

These agencies collaborated frequently with the NAS to achieve stated mission plans. Of these agencies, the NAS collaborated with DHS/CBP in the identification, testing, selection, implementation, and analysis of non-intrusive inspection equipment (NII). In addition, DHS/CBP/ICE provides ongoing advice regarding X-ray equipment used at major Mexican airports.

Receipt
GOM federal agencies that received USG donated equipment are required to sign Notes of Agreement.

Monitoring Procedures

On-site Inspections
From October 27, 2008 through November 7, 2008, a random physical inspection was performed by DEA resident offices included Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo Mazatian, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana of the equipment used by the Special Investigative Units of the Federal Police

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status
The NAS was able to monitor the donated equipment not physically inspected through comparison with GOM written and digital records and through discussions with GOM contacts.

Status- Commodities

Vehicles
Three NAS-funded non-intrusive inspection (NII) X-ray minivans operated in the passenger luggage areas at the international airports in Mexico City and in Cancun, were used to detect bulk shipment of illicit cash and other contraband.

Twelve installed Portal VACIS units, purchased for and delivered to SAT from 2004 to 2007, inspected trucks and trailers for arms, drugs, and other contraband at the following northern Mexico strategic ports of entry: Colombia (Nuevo Leon-2); Nuevo Laredo (Tamaulipas-2); Piedras Negras (Coahuila -2); Nogales (Sonora-2); Mexicali (Baja California Norte); Otay Mesa (BCN); Ciudad Jurez (Chihuahua); and Reynoes (Tamaulipsa). Other installed NAS-purchased NII equipment, included a railroad VACIS at Mexicali and a pallet VACIS at the Mexico City International Airport. Detected rail and air contraband, respectively. The NAS visited these units during 2008; the Mexico City airport Pallet VACIS was shown regularly to visiting USG officials.

In 2008, the NAS purchased an X-ray minivan and 10 X-ray backscatter vans for the SAT.

Mexican Federal Police
The Federal Police (SSP/AFI) operated three USG- provided NII mobile Gamma radiation VCIS (Vehicle and Cargo inspection Systems) vehicles donated by the NAS in November 2005. These vehicles, along with five other similar units purchased by SSP/AFI in 2007, operated at unannounced locations throughout Mexico for short periods of time, inspecting trucks and tailers for contraband. The NAS inspected the USG-provided trucks operating along Mexican highways once each quarter during the reporting year.

On-site Inspections
From October 27, 2008 through November 7, 2008, a random physical inspection of the equipment used by the Special Investigative Unit of the Federal Police was performed by DEA resident offices in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana.

In 2008, about 55% of all donated items were inspected on-site.

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status

Comparison of Records
In 2008, 45% of US donate equipment was not physically inspected. However, the NAS was able to obtain information regarding the status and use of this equipment through comparison with GOM written and digital records and through discussions with GOM contacts.

Discussions
When on-site inspections are not feasible, post hold discussions with host government officials on the status of the INL-funded resources.

Receipt
GOM federal agencies that receive USG donated equipment are required to sign Notes of Agreement. In some cases, GOM entities request in writing that NAS personnel procure specific items of equipment for certain projects. Nonetheless, NAS personnel generally do not wait for receipt of such written requests before conducting individual purchases for projects agreed to in advance by both Government under the signed Letters of Agreements. Upon delivery of major equipment, NAS personnel prepare MOAs to document receipt of equipment. These MOA's specify the donated items, quantities, description, serial numbers, and authority for the donation.

Status-Commodities

Aircraft
Interdiction Helicopters UH-1H 27

UH-1H interdiction helicopters were based at the following locations: XC- BBA-Insurance repair station, XC-LIX Hermosillo, XC-BBG-Guadalajara, XC- HGR- Insurance repair station, XC-BBH-Guadalajara, XC-JAX-Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-BBJ- Caborca, XC-LJJ- Mexicali, XC-JAD- Guadalajara, XC-JAQ-Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-LJK-Chetumal, XC-JAN- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-LIV-Guadalajara, XC-JAV- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-JAM- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-JAO- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-BBL-Santana, XC-JAA- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-JAS- Insurance repair station, XC-JAR- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-JAU- destroyed in accident, XC-BBF- Acapulco, XC-BBE- Guadalajara, XC-BBD- Guadalajara pending destruction, XC-LIW- Insurance repair station, XC-LIZ- Tapachula, XC-LKF- Acapulco, XC-LKG-Ciudad Carmen.

Aerial Surveillance and Border Security Helicopters
Schweizer SAC-333 10

Schweizer SAC-333 helicopters for aerial and border security were based in the following locations: Nogales (1), Mexicali (1), Guadalajara (3), Ciudad Carmen (1), Chetmual (1), Culiacan (1), Acapulco (1), Chihuahua (1). One was destroyed in an accident.

Aircraft parts, valued at approximately $24 million, for the UH-1H's were delivered in the second half of December to PGR's main maintenance base and warehouse in Guadalajara. As of the end of the year, the parts were being inventoried and entered into the PGR's tracking system.

Computer Equipment
In 2008, the NAS donated computer and office equipment to the following agencies: Federal Protective Police-computer and office equipment; Customs- computer and office equipment including a server, six money counters, 15 handheld ion scanners; Office of the Attorney General-computers and office equipment; National Institute of Psychology-computer and office equipment; Secretariat for Public Security-computer equipment and five ion scanners; National Banking Commission-computer and office equipment; National Immigration Institute-computer and office equipment.

Vehicles

Customs
Three non-funded non-intrusive inspection (NII) X-ray minivans operated in the passenger luggage-handling areas at the international airports in Mexico City (two) and in Cancun (Quintana roo); they were used to detect bulk shipments of illicit cash and other contraband.

Twelve installed Portal VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Systems) units, purchased and delivered to Customs from 2004 to 2007 inspected trucks and trailers for arm, drug, and other contraband at the following northern Mexico strategic ports of entry: Colombia (Nuevo Leon-2); Nuevo Laredo (Tamaulipas - 2); Piedras Negras (Coahuila-2); Nagales (Sonora-2); Mexicali (Baja California Norte); Otay Mesa (BCN); Ciudad Jurez (Chihuahua); and Reynosa (Tamaulipas). Other installed NAS purchased NII equipment, including a railroad VACIS at Mexicali and a pallet VACIS at Mexico International Airport, detected rail and air contraband, respectively. The NAS visited these units during 2008, the Mexico City airport pallet VACIS was regularly shown to visiting USG officials.

In 2008, the NAS purchased an X-ray minivan and 10 X-ray backscatter vans for Customs.

Mexican Federal Police
The Federal Police (SSP/AFI) operated three USG- provided NII mobile gamma radiation VACIS donated by the NAS in November 2005. These vehicles, joined by five other similar units purchased by SSP/AFI in 2007, operated at unannounced locations throughout Mexico for short periods of time, inspecting trucks and trailers for contraband. NAS personnel saw the USG-provided trucks operating along Mexican highways once each quarter during the reporting year.

Office of Attorney General (PGR) and Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) Special Investigative Units
The GOM recently merged the Agencia Federal de Investigacions (AFI) and the Policia Federal Preentiva (PFP), creating the new Federal Police. Over this period of time, vehicles donated by the NAS to the Special Investigative Units have been transferred to different locations and agencies consistent with GOM priorities in the fight against narcotics.

Twelve non-armored surveillance vehicles, six Chevy Malibu sedans and six Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 pickup trucks were donated to the SSP in 2008. Thirty- eight (38) vehicles were purchased in 2008 with NAS funds for the vetted units.

Program Impact

Communications Equipment
Telecommunications equipment donated by the NAS has facilitated interconnectivity within the Government of Mexico and with elements of the USG. For example, one project, OASIS, supports the daily interchange of information between the PGR and the DHS relating to illegal human smuggling cases.

Surveillance Equipment
The USG-provided NII equipment, both mobile and fixed, have given the GOM additional capability in detecting and confiscating drugs, weapons, chemicals, explosives, laundered money, as well as other contraband, at diverse and often constantly changing strategic locations throughout Mexico. The X-ray van has alone contributed to Customs discovering over $70 million in cash since the beginning of calendar year 2004.

Laboratory Equipment
During 2008, the NAS provided the PGR with an Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) and related equipment. This equipment allows firearms examiners and technicians to acquire analog images of the markings made by a firearms on bullets and cartridge casings.

Professional Services
The professional services provided by the NAS have allowed Mexico to advance its prosecutions of drug traffickers and combat terrorism.

Aircraft
The USG-provided aircraft are an integral part of the PGR's interdiction and border security activities. The UH-1H's are indispensable for the end game in interdiction activities by transporting law enforcement personnel to make seizures and arrests, transporting seized drugs and arms, and pursuing suspects. The Schweizer helicopters, with their sensors and cameras, are used to patrol the border areas and support police ground activities.

Problems and Corrective Action Plan

Repair and Maintenance of Commodities
Although NAS-funded maintenance programs, through manufacturer representatives based in Mexico, were in place on all major USG-provided NII equipment, GOM agencies still failed at times to follow procedures for reporting repair and maintenance needs. In these cases, resolution came about only after the NAS Project Adviser becomes involved.

Lack of Use of Commodities
Some items are still underutilized due to a shortage of trained personnel. Customs often waits until a big-ticket piece of NII equipment arrives before it recruits the personnel needed to operate it, although this is less of a problem with SSP.

Many Customs and SSP personnel have not owned a vehicle, or even driven one, prior to recruitment by those agencies and so 'cut their teeth' on USG- provided sophisticated equipment. All three of the 12-ton gamma radiation mobile trucks donated to the SSP have been involved in accidents in their first three years of operation. In one case, the cobalt radiation source, which is normally only changed after five years of operation, had to be replaced at USG expense during its first year because of improper use. The NAS is considering funding basic driver training for NII heavy equipment before USG-funded manufactured operator training and USG law enforcement 'tricks of the trade' training take place.

Disposal of Commodities
Nine UH-1H fuselages are pending destruction at the PGR's main helicopter maintenance base in Guadalajara. These aircraft were not deemed economically viable to repair. Permission to destroy these aircraft was obtained from INL/RM and once advised that the process should proceed, the NAS Aviation Adviser will travel to Guadalajara to observe the destruction and recover the aircraft identification data plates.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs Policy Initiatives. The United States shares many interests with Mexico?politically, economically, and with regard to our own national security. Mexico long ago became the principal transit route for cocaine and is an important producer in its own right of the heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine consumed in the United States. The enormously corruptive influences of Mexico's narcotics cartels touch the communities on both sides of our shared border. The Calderon Administration has made progress in reforming Mexico's juridical system, diminishing its opaqueness in some instances, and increasing its efficiency, it is a priority for the United States to support Mexico's efforts to reform its justice system and improve security along our shared border and throughout the nation. Bilateral Cooperation. Historically, the governments of Mexico and the United States have cooperated on counternarcotics and security-related issues, and have had some success sharing information and coordinating law enforcement and military efforts. Additionally, the U.S. has aided in the fight against DTOs by providing Mexico with training, equipment, and information technology assistance. With the implementation of the Merida Initiative, 2009 represented a new era of cooperation between the two countries. The Initiative represents not only a historically significant increase in bilateral cooperation, but the inauguration of a new strategy in which the USG helps strengthen Mexico's institutional capacity to counter the shared threat posed by DTOs. The Merida Initiative focused on eight general areas: ! Judicial reform ! Combating financial crime ! Law enforcement professionalization ! Upgrading non-intrusive inspection equipment ! Improving aviation capability ! Demand reduction ! Fostering a culture of lawfulness ! Information management technology enhancement Although it is still early in its implementation, the Merida Initiative has moved forward in a number of areas. Some examples for 2009 include: ! A National Command and Control Center opened at the SSP to provide enhanced real- time communications and information flow to support law enforcement and disaster relief efforts. ! GOM received shipment of 15 x-ray vans and 30 ion scanners that will enhance its ability to interdict illegal weapons, drugs, and shipments of cash. ! Mexico accepted delivery of five Bell-412 helicopters to provide tactical support on a wide variety of counternarcotics and law enforcement missions. ! Over 3,000 Mexican university graduates received basic investigations training to form a cadre of Federal Police investigators; and over 300 mid- and senior-level federal law enforcement personnel received advanced training from U.S. trainers on topics ranging from enhanced investigations and drug interdiction to cyber-crime and counter- intelligence; as well as case management and leadership. ! A record 107 criminals were extradited from Mexico to the U.S. ! 318 polygraph machines are being delivered to key branches of the GOM including the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR), Secretary for Public Security (SSP), and Mexican Customs (SAT) in order to better detect and prevent potential corruption.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

FY 2010 Program The FY 2010 program activity seeks to balance short-term operational objectives (which can yield immediate results in the form of improved seizures of illicit drugs and disruption in arms trafficking and bulk currency smuggling) with long-term institutional development (which will strengthen the GOM?s institutional capacity to fight DTOs and provide for a political-economic system based on rule of law). The Calderon Administration has amply demonstrated a strong commitment to attack the cartels and their illicit trafficking in arms, drugs, precursors and persons. It is also undertaking a fundamental restructuring of the Mexican justice system and its law enforcement institutions which will improve the access by its citizenry to rule of law. Its law enforcement agencies have provided an unprecedented level of cooperation. These initiatives will not quash the threat of narcotics trafficking overnight, and for many years to come Mexico will continue to require extensive U.S. support to confront the mutual threat we both face from the cartels. Government?s Capabilities Arms Trafficking: FY 2010 funds will support efforts to curb illicit arms trafficking, which contributes to sky-rocketing narcotics-related crime in Mexico. By enacting strong border controls, destroying stockpiles, dismantling trafficking networks, and sharing weapons tracing information, the U.S. and Mexico can work together to reduce the supply of weapons arming the drug trafficking organizations. The United States will examine more southbound traffic in order to deter arms trafficking and bulk cash smuggling, Mexico in turn is examining more of what is coming into the country from the United States. Mexico has begun a pilot project to examine all southbound traffic through an automated inspection process. The system weighs the vehicle, scans the license plate, and runs the collected data through various databases and risk analysis tools, and Mexican canine units will inspect each vehicle as they wait in line to go through the system. FY 2010 funds will support the development of the GOM's institutional capacity to detect and interdict illicit drugs, explosives and weapons, trafficked/smuggled persons and individuals seeking to enter the United States to conduct terrorist activities. The support will focus principally on two sets of activities: the provision of informatics to raise the technological underpinnings of the GOM?s law enforcement establishment; and, the provision of training and equipment (for example, additional non-intrusive inspection equipment that will reinforce the impact of previous investments, which is outside the scope of Me_rida Initiative purchases and addresses the changing profile of the threat) to support the further enhancement and security of Mexico?s law enforcement personnel, who daily risk their lives to protect their country. Counternarcotics Interdiction: FY 2010 funds will provide assistance to the GOM's effort to disrupt international crime and narcotics trafficking, by improving its overall law enforcement infrastructure. For example, the provision of information technology (IT) equipment that complements GOM-developed software will enable it to establish the new Unified Crime Information System (SUIC). It will also work with DHS/CBP to assess security and recommend enhancements in Mexico's largest maritime ports. INL will procure additional protective, detection and testing equipment to assist the GOM in combating the production and trafficking of methamphetamines. INL will provide equipment and specially trained canines for responding to drug-related crimes involving drugs, bulk cash, firearms and explosives. In addition, mobile non-intrusive inspection equipment will be provided to the Mexican military and Customs services for use at interior checkpoints, and training will be provided to canine handler teams. In FY 2010 INL will support the development of the GOM's institutional capacity to detect and interdict inter alia illicit drugs, explosives and weapons, trafficked/smuggled persons and individuals seeking to enter the United States to conduct terrorist activities. The support will focus principally on two sets of activities: the provision of informatics to raise the technological underpinnings of the GOM?s law enforcement establishment; and, the provision of training and equipment (for example, additional non-intrusive inspection equipment that will reinforce the impact of previous investments, and which is outside the scope of Me_rida Initiative purchases and addresses the changing profile of the threat) to support the further enhancement and security of Mexico?s law enforcement personnel, who daily risk their lives to protect their country. INL will assist the GOM's effort to disrupt international crime and narcotics trafficking in FY 2010 by improving its overall law enforcement infrastructure. INL will procure additional protective, detection and testing equipment to assist the GOM in combating the production and trafficking of methamphetamines. INL will provide equipment and specially trained canines for responding to drug-related crimes involving drugs, bulk cash, firearms and explosives. The Merida Initiative calls for funding to the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) for two surveillance planes (CASA CN-235-300) with a full logistics/spare parts/training package, and outfitted with a sensor array similar to that used by the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition, mobile non- intrusive inspection equipment will be provided to the Mexican military and Customs services for use at interior checkpoints, and training will be provided to canine/handler teams. Similar support will be provided to the newly restructured federal police force (SSP), including three UH-60 medium-lift utility helicopters to create a rapid-response counternarcotics capability; three Cessna Caravan light surveillance and utility aircraft; and non-intrusive inspective equipment and training for additional canine/handler teams. FY 2010 funds will support the National Council against Addictions (CONADIC) in the Secretariat of Health to promote drug awareness, demand reduction and rehabilitation. INL will assist CONADIC in providing computer hardware for a distance learning platform for the entire country to facilitate training and technical assistance on drug prevention and treatment. INL will also support CONADIC?s efforts to establish a national-level counselor certification system in order to improve the delivery of drug treatment services and create Drug Free Community Coalitions to increase citizen participation in reducing drug use among youth. Funding will also support an independent evaluation of the drug treatment/certification project in order to assess training effects and long-range outcomes such as decreased drug use and reductions in criminal activity. Good Governance Anti-Corruption Reform: INL support will also help the Caldero_n Administration identify and root out corruption in the federal bureaucracy, but with a special focus on law enforcement agencies. INL support will include, inter alia, computer and polygraph equipment, training and technical support in such areas as ethics, anti-corruption and internal affairs for the PGR, SSP and SFP. Training will often be provided by U.S. LEA personnel. The Merida Initiative calls for augmenting existing programs, with programs promoting anticorruption, transparency, judicial reform and human rights, including funding for civil society human rights NGOs which support justice reforms, support for bar associations and law schools involved in reform efforts, and human rights training for police, prosecutors and corrections officers. INL will provide training to GOM officials to practice accountable and effective management of the GOM legal structure. GOM legal sector management and accountability have become critical elements in determining the over-all good governance ? the effectiveness, efficiency, and ability of governments to ensure proper prosecutorial and sustainable legal architecture. FY 2010 funds will support effort in:

• recognizing that minimizing corruption is critical to reduce poverty and promote social and people-centered sustainable development;
• emphasizing long-term systematic legal changes and the human dimensions of development, coupled with its impartiality, underscoring its unique contribution in promoting good governance, public accountability and transparency; and
• providing IT equipment, software and ?current? continuing education and training in overall good governance and anti-corruption reform.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Program Objectives and Performance Indicators

Border and Port Security

Strengthen Mexico's ability to control its borders, ports of entry, and choke points within its national transportation system through the detection and interdiction of illicit narcotics, contraband (including explosives and weapons), trafficked/smuggled persons and individuals seeking to enter the United States to conduct terrorist activities.

• More effective and rapid screening of cargo and vehicles (cars, trucks, trains) for contraband, illicit drugs and smuggled aliens; reduced delays of legitimate traffic moving north towards our common border.

• Fewer weapons cross U.S. borders and programs established to trace and disrupt the trafficking to Mexico of high-powered, military grade weaponry.


• New programs to share tracing capabilities with the appropriate Mexican authorities are devised and implemented.


• Efforts to close trafficking corridors are underway.


• Expanded actionable, real-time intelligence cooperation.


• Prosecutions, interdictions and arrests of individuals seeking to move firearms across the border are aggressively pursued.

• Increased in the volume of seized drugs and precursor chemicals, in the number of methamphetamine labs discovered and destroyed, in the amount of bulk cash seizures and in the number of trafficking-related arrests.

• Improved information exchange between operations center in order to develop more effective investigations and prosecutions.


• Strengthened intelligence efforts against criminal organizations.

• Promote the professionalization and modernization of Mexico's law enforcement institutions and criminal justice sectors with a full range of training (courses for new recruits, specialized investigative & technical training, and management training) and support the development of federal police institutions and infrastructure.


• Improved Government of Mexico (GOM) capacity to conduct credible investigations based on forensic evidence to successfully prosecute criminal organizations.


• Improved efficiency and effectiveness of criminal justice systems in the region to conduct credible investigations and successfully prosecute criminal organizations.


• Rule of law and protection of human rights are enhanced through specialized investigative, technical, and management training.

• Improved GOM capacity to apply advanced digital technologies to share, analyze and otherwise utilize and apply a variety of data, including crime reporting information.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

Mexico’s proximity to the United States gives rise to shared problems demanding common solutions, such as cooperation to suppress organized crime and drug trafficking organizations, improving the efficiency of legitimate cross-border exchanges, and fostering market orientation in Mexico’s economy. In partnership with the Government of Mexico, U.S. foreign assistance, including the Merida Initiative, concentrates on strengthening institutions and reducing poverty and inequality which remain significant obstacles. Structural reforms will enhance Mexico’s ability to realize benefits under the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Security and Prosperity Partnership.

Peace and Security: Peace and security are the United States' top priorities with Mexico. Both ongoing U.S. programs and the Merida Initiative will provide support for Mexico's anti-crime and counter-narcotics efforts, including interdiction, demand reduction activities and Mexico's expanding anti-money laundering regime. The United States will provide significant support to Mexico's restructuring of its police and judicial institutions. U.S. collaboration and technical assistance to Mexico's law enforcement and military entities complement Mexican Government efforts to improve and expand their capacity to fight illicit trafficking of all kinds (drugs, arms, and people), including better systems of integration and professional training. The provision of non-intrusive inspection equipment will combat this illicit trafficking while facilitating legitimate cross-border commerce. Simultaneously, robust funding will allow for the provision of important, capital-intensive assistance, such as transport and surveillance aircraft, that are essential to the Mexican efforts to confront the well-funded and equipped criminal groups. Programs will help strengthen technical and data-sharing capabilities, preserve respect for human rights, improve resource management, increase English-language skills, and enhance interoperability and cooperation in counter-terrorism and counternarcotics missions. Assistance also will support efforts to prevent the movement of weapons of mass destruction components and precursors.

Support for drug demand reduction efforts, including support for better epidemiological data and groups involved in prevention and treatment, will help underscore the common interest in counter-narcotics efforts. These efforts will focus on the U.S. border region, where abuse rates are three times the Mexican national average and drug and trafficking-related violence are a daily threat to the citizens of both countries.

Drugs continue to transit Mexico via land, sea and air. Meanwhile, drug consumption in Mexico also continues to negatively impact society, and is rising among youths. The sharing of U.S. tactical information with vetted Mexican counterparts is resulting in a greater number of successful interdiction operations, and thousands of Government of Mexico (GOM) law enforcement officers are receiving training through U.S. programs. The 2011 targets will reflect the increase in FY 2010 funding.

The expansion of counter-terrorism capacity in Mexico, through training and equipment to detect dangerous contraband, is a critical security issue for the United States given the long, unfortifiable border the two countries share. By enhancing Mexican counter-terrorism capabilities, this program provides improved security to the people of the both countries against terrorism. The FY 2011 targets will reflect the increase in funding in FY 2010.

Governing Justly and Democratically: Through the Merida Initiative, U.S. assistance supports the Mexican government efforts to improve its criminal justice system by raising professional standards, and strengthening communication and collaboration among federal, state, and local entities, in the face of escalating drug-related violence affecting the entire country, particularly the border region. U.S.-funded technical assistance will continue to support the justice sector (i.e., prosecutors, investigative police, judges and public defenders) in the following areas: drafting oral adversarial codes of criminal procedures; designing a viable implementation plan; case and court management; and on-site training in the new system’s initial stages of implementation. U.S. assistance will support Mexico’s endeavors in instituting governmental code reforms and institutional regulations. The goals of the reforms are to professionalize and 631 develop a unified police, promote institutional checks and balances, strengthen transparency and citizen oversight, support the adoption and implementation of legislation against trafficking in persons, train judges to comply fully with the Hague Conventions on International Parental Child Abduction and International Adoption, and enhance and promote anti-corruption enforcement. These activities will increase the confidence of the Mexican people in their justice system by making prosecutions more transparent, protecting key witnesses, and improving respect for human rights by the justice sector, including the police and military personnel. Seeking to further improve public confidence, support will also be given to improve the capacity of Mexican efforts to investigate and reduce government corruption and unethical practices. U.S. support will also include efforts to expand and improve Mexico’s asset forfeiture regime in order to increase the financial risk of criminal activity. The political participation and consensus-building program will promote increased linkages between civil society groups, party caucuses, and political parties.

These programs focus on the following Merida strategic goals: strengthening anti-corruption, improving justice system efficiency/effectiveness, and bolstering rule of law /human rights. The projects include strengthening office of inspector generals for Mexican government agencies, support for citizen participation councils, expanding a "culture of lawfulness" program. The FY2011 targets will reflect the increase in funding in FY2010.

Investing in People: U.S. assistance will fund higher-education partnerships with Mexican universities focusing on critical development issues. These partnerships will strengthen Mexican higher-education institutions through the creation of new programs and joint research and will provide scholarships and exchanges in areas such as small business development and microfinance, technological innovation, and rule of law with a focus on indigenous and disadvantaged youth. Public health concerns, notably HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), have cross-border impacts, and will be addressed through programs promoting effective prevention, detection, capacity building, and improved health care services. The focus will be placed on arresting the spread of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and TB/HIV co-infection.

Economic Growth: U.S. assistance will help increase private sector competitiveness in Mexico by supporting Mexican-led efforts to improve the business-enabling environment in the short term and by building sustainable support for continued policy reforms and systemic changes over the medium-term. A basic premise is that good governance is essential to improve Mexico’s long-term competitiveness and rational use of its natural resource base. Assistance will support more sustainable environmental governance and management, including biodiversity conservation, more effective and efficient government, and increased access to the productive factors that underpin growth, such as financial services, water and sanitation, and renewable energy. U.S. resources will support Mexican priorities for energy sector policy 632 reforms aimed at stimulating greater private sector deployment of clean energy technologies.

Climate change funding in FY 2010 will help countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur growth in climate-dependent communities and economic sectors. This funding will deepen U.S. efforts to address climate change and underpin U.S. diplomacy efforts in this area. As climate change activities have yet to been designed, targets for FY 2010 are to be determined. The FY 2008 funds are being used to promote sustainable management of Mexico's diverse natural resources.

Humanitarian Assistance: U.S. assistance leverages the close cooperation in areas such as fire management and disaster readiness to strengthen coordinated planning and response in other areas. Through training programs, the U.S. will expand the use of the Incident Command System, integrated planning and preparedness, and risk assessment to encompass all-hazard preparedness. U.S. assistance will support Mexico's disaster management capability, Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency and military to develop and improve procedures for responding to potentially catastrophic incidents, such as a pandemic influenza outbreak or mass exposure to dangerous chemicals. Continued support will seek to strengthen hurricane and earthquake planning, mass casualty evacuation capabilities, and bilateral cooperation in preparing for and responding to disasters on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Document: UNITAS Gold Welcomes Mexican Navy

Program: Exercises

The Mexican patrol vessel ARM Oaxaca (PO-161) participated along with ships from 11 nations in the sinking exercise (SINKEX) of the former ex-USS Connelly (DD 975) April 29 during UNITAS Gold.

The primary goal of the training is to promote maritime security and stability as well as interoperability between partner nations. This year is the first time Mexico has participated. Its assets in the exercise include the offshore patrol vessel, ARM Oaxaca (PO-161) and frigate, ARM Mina (F-214).

Document: U.S., Partner Nation Marines Arrive in Jacksonville for UNITAS Gold, POA

Program: Exercises

During the two-week combined exercise, U.S. Marines deployed as Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 24 (SPMAGTF 24), will train with partner nation marines from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and soldiers from the Royal Canadian Army. In all more than 25 ships, 50 rotary and fixed wing aircraft, 650 Marines, 6,500 Sailors and four submarines will participate in the exercise.

Comprised of Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764 (HMM-764), 4th Marine Logistics Group and the 24th Marine Regiment, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., the SPMAGTF 24, commanded by Col. Jay Huston, will conduct an amphibious assault as part of the ground training in support of this year’s 50th iteration of UNITAS.

POA is an annual U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South multinational, company-level combined and joint exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability between U.S. Marines and partner-nation marines in the areas of amphibious operations, non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO), peacekeeping and disaster relief.

The combined exercise will provide exercise participants the opportunity to train in a realistic training environment on both land and sea, and will address a variety of mission areas; featuring live-fire exercises, undersea warfare, shipboard operations, maritime interdiction operations, air defense and surface warfare, amphibious operations, electronic warfare, and special warfare. Successful training of POA 09 and UNITAS Gold participants will enable them to return to their respective nations to further train their nation’s security forces by sharing the lessons learned from this experience.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

The U.S. will continue to support President Calderon's efforts and jointly seek ways to more effectively utilize counternarcotics programs, intelligence, and judicial tools to confront drug trafficking organizations. The U.S. encourages Mexico to press forward with the legal and institutional reforms to its judicial system and security forces, and to continue its anti-corruption efforts. A comprehensive security and judicial system that ensures integrity at all levels will help ensure that advances in other areas are successful. The United States also encourages closer cooperation between our counternarcotics and border security forces in order to enhance intelligence and evidence sharing and effectively close smuggling routes.

For its part, the USG will offer significant cooperation in the coming year under the Merida Initiative—a partnership between the governments of the United States, Mexico, Central America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic to confront the violent national and transnational gangs and organized criminal and narcotics trafficking organizations that plague the entire region, the activities of which spill over into the United States. The Merida Initiative will fund a variety of programs that will strengthen the institutional capabilities of participating governments by supporting efforts to investigate, sanction and prevent corruption within law enforcement agencies; facilitating the transfer of critical law enforcement investigative information within and between regional governments; and funding equipment purchases, training, community policing and economic and social development programs. Mexico signed a bilateral agreement with the U.S. for Merida Initiative assistance on December 3, 2008.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Bilateral Cooperation. Bilateral counternarcotics cooperation continues to grow in scope and quality and will receive a major boost when the Merida Initiative is fully implemented. U.S. Government (USG) law enforcement personnel share sensitive tactical information with their vetted Mexican counterparts in real time, resulting in greater numbers of successful interdiction operations, and thousands of GOM law enforcement officers receive training through U.S. programs.

In May 2008, a Letter of Intent was signed by the commanders of SEMAR, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the USCG establishing a permanent bi-national working group on maritime safety and security laying the foundation for sustained and consistent cooperation and coordination in a variety of maritime mission areas. The working group advanced the process of integrating the diplomatic and operational channels for boarding requests with Mexico, which has already resulted in significantly more efficient operations. For example, the time required to obtain GOM approval for USG requests to board Mexican-flagged commercial vessels in international waters continues to be typically less than two hours, with approvals routinely received within an hour, compared to a response time of six to eight hours in the past. Coordinated efforts with the Mexican Navy have led in 2008 to Mexican seizures of over 20 MT of cocaine from maritime vessels. Occasionally, USG assets on the high seas have chased suspected smugglers into Mexican waters, where Mexican Navy assets continued the pursuit.

In 2008, the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs' (INL) Narcotics Assistance Section (NAS) Professionalization and Training Program drew on interagency support from Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to provide 294 specialized training courses to 8,112 Mexican law enforcement and prosecutors at the federal and state level, with courses on criminal investigations, crime scene search and preservation of evidence, cyber-crimes, explosives and incendiary devices, highway and airport interdiction, and counterterrorism. The NAS Information Technology Program also provided over 130 specialized and advanced computer software application training courses to over 700 GOM programmers and engineers within the Mexican law enforcement community. Additionally, in partnership with the Attorney General's office, the USG through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided training to Mexican state and federal investigators and prosecutors throughout Mexico to improve the justice sector.

The DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Border Enforcement Support Team (BEST) program, implemented in 2006 to combat cross-border violence along the Southwest Border, continued to improve bilateral cooperation with Mexican law enforcement personnel. In 2008, US Customs and Border Protection implemented several bilateral programs with Mexico to enhance border and national security of both nations. For example, the GOM provides airline passenger information to CBP through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). CBP also works closely with GOM counterparts concerning an overall bi-lateral strategic plan, as well as specific issues such as confronting border violence, terrorism, trafficking in persons, and providing expedited border crossings for pre-approved low-risk travelers.

Border security was further enhanced through the delivery of INL-funded equipment, including an x-ray minivan, 15 ion scanners (vapor tracers), 10 x-ray backscatter vans, and 68 non-intrusive inspection (NII) kits to Mexican Customs (SAT), as well as another five ion scanners to SSP for counternarcotics and counterterrorism operations. This equipment will greatly aid Mexican law enforcement agencies to detect and confiscate drugs, chemicals, explosives, weapons, laundered money, and other forms of contraband. The USG also provided equipment for anti-money laundering units, and computer servers for the "Plataforma Mexico" program.

The USCG also provided a variety of training to Mexican personnel during 2008, including Search and Rescue, leadership and management, marine engineering and maintenance, port security, small arms, and maritime law enforcement courses.

Document: Report to Congress on use of 1206 funds

Program: Section 1206 Train and Equip Authority

MEXICO
COUNTERTERRORISM CAPABILITIES PACKAGE

The Department of Defense (DoD) plans to undertake activities pursuant to Section 1206 to build the capacity of national military forces in Mexico to conduct counterterrorism operations. This program will enhance Mexico’s Army and Navy/Naval Infantry (Special Forces) ability to reduce ungoverned territory that could be exploited by violent extremist organizations, more effectively protect critical infrastructure, find and fix suspected targets, and establish the conditions for increased cooperation with the U.S.

The Department of State has verified that Mexico is eligible to receive the type of assistance authorized by this legislation, and supports the use of Section 1206 authority. This program will contain the required elements to promote the observance of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and respect for legitimate civilian authority.

The cost associated with the human rights elements program is $1,673.00 and is being notified under a separate Congressional notification letter. The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) was tasked to take on a two-phased implementation approach for incorporating human rights elements and respect for civilian authority into Section 1206 programs. The first phase is a survey that will address the following topics: the identification of participants, facility location, and assistance in identifying and scheduling translators, meal logistics, and the time frame for the follow-on seminar.

DIILS has developed appropriate curriculum for the seminars, and will work with the U.S. Embassy in each 1206 recipient country to identify any additional specific human rights or international humanitarian law (law of war) topics that should be incorporated into the seminar. Relevant regional human rights international agreements will be incorporated as will specific legal topics identified by the country team, and/or the Partner Nation, as appropriate. The training audience will be unit commanders, key staff, and non-commissioned officers, as appropriate. Current human rights vetting (Leahy) is required for all participants on an individual basis.

This $12,945,854 program was coordinated through a joint DoD-Department of State review, approved by the Secretary of Defense, and concurred in by the Deputy Secretary of State. We intend to provide the following articles and services:

(Figure in parenthesis reflects planned quantity – final quantity of some items may vary slightly based upon actual cost.)

• Technical Support Services for initial, intermediate, and advanced Digital Media Forensics (three-phase Digital Media Forensics Capability).

• Non-Standard Communications Equipment and Services - Tactical/Non-Tactical Harris Radios (61); Harris Multiband Handheld Radio System (40); GPS Receiver- Ground 760 (10); GPS Receiver- Ground Garmin (15); GPS Receiver – Garmin [In-Country]; Harris Radios Maintenance Training [In-Country].

• Night Vision Devices (115); NVD Aviator Vision System: (24); NVD Weapon Sight System: (20); Weapon Spare Parts, Components, and Accessories.

• Air Operations Equipment - Parachutes + Aerial Del Equipment: General supplies, Miscellaneous Items;

• Counterterrorism Equipment; Ammunition 5.56mm; Safety + Rescue Clothing, Textiles, and Individual Equipment (Army/Navy); Weapon Spare Parts, Components & Accessories (Mexican Army CT Material);

• 11 Meter Rigid Inflatable Boats (8); Ship parts, components, accessories, support equipment, diesel engines, and diagnostic equipment; contactor engineering technical services.

All items will be on-contract or ordered from stock no later than September 30, 2008. The period of performance for severable contracted services will not exceed 12 calendar months. It is estimated that deliveries in country will begin no earlier than May 1, 2009, with equipment delivery to be completed within a 24-month period.