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.

Document: FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Spending Plan

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Peace and Security ($180 million total, of which $34 million in FY09 bridge funding)

INCLE funds will support the development of the Government of Mexico'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 Merida Initiative will build on existing programs, such as those that provide support to the National Migration Institute (INAMI) to expand and modernize its immigration databases, document verification systems, and equip and train its border rescue/safety personnel. In addition, funding will be used to improve inspection and security systems for key mail facilities, provide secure communications for law enforcement agencies, and enhance data management and analysis capabilities of the Mexican intelligence service (CISEN). Merida will also enhance support to the Attorney General's Office (PGR) Operation Against Smugglers (and Traffickers) Initiative on Safety and Security (OASISS), a project that prioritizes prosecutorial resources against violent human smugglers operating along the U.S./Mexico border.

Merida will assist the Government of Mexico's effort to disrupt international crime and narcotics trafficking by improving its overall law enforcement infrastructure. Mobile non-intrusive inspective equipment will be provided to the SSP, Mexican Army/Air Force (SEDENA), and Mexican Customs. Interdiction efforts will be furthered through security improvements for staff investigating criminal organizations, such as armored vehicles and bullet-proof vests, as well as technical assistance to anti-gang, anti-organized crime, and anti-money laundering vetted units. Funding will also be provided to support the development of a National Police Registry to track public security personnel.

Funding will be provided to the Secretariat of Health to expand its demand reduction activities nationwide through a national computer network of state governments, NGOs and other non-state actors, which will include on-line distance training. This project will also include a certification and training program for drug treatment counselors, support for drug free community coalitions, and a metric system to independently evaluate the effectiveness of drug treatment/certification training.

Merida will help the Government of Mexico to disrupt money laundering by facilitating the bilateral sharing of strategic and tactical information relating to ongoing investigations. Support will include consultancies, specialized equipment such as money counting and x-ray machinery, hardware/software packages and specialized training.

Governing Justly and Democratically ($59.5 million total, of which $14 million in FY09 bridge funding)

The Calderon Administration has launched a package of changes that will significantly improve Mexico's justice system and its law enforcement capabilities. Merida will support these initiatives by providing information technology equipment and software to support the Constanza project, an effort to make the PGR more transparent and accountable, more responsive, and less susceptible to corruption. Funds will help expand an existing case-tracking system used by PGR officials; provide information technology equipment and software, systems design and programming support for the Center for Analysis, Planning, and Intelligence Against Organized Crimes (CENAPI); and provide technical support to modernize and sustain the capabilities of the PGR Forensic Laboratory. In addition, Merida will enhance judicial and police capacity through a variety of training programs, including prosecutorial capacity building, asset forfeiture, extradition procedures, police professionalization, evidence preservation and chain of custody, and technical assistance in prison management.

Merida will augment the Government of Mexico's efforts to root out corruption in the federal bureaucracy with a special focus on law enforcement agencies. Support will include computer and polygraph equipment, and training in such areas as ethics, anti-corruption and internal affairs. The Culture of Lawfulness Project, which partners with governmental and nongovernmental leaders to develop, evaluate and institutionalize sustainable rule of law education programs, will be expanded under Merida. Funding will also support the PGR Citizen Participation Councils and other mechanisms for citizens to report corruption or crime. The goal is to implement a watchdog function against abuse by authorities and promote citizen involvement.

Program Development and Support ($24 million)

Program Development and Support funds will be used for administrative and operating expenses related to program planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. These funds will support Merida Initiative activities in both Mexico and Central America.

Document: FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Spending Plan

Program: Foreign Military Financing

Peace and Security ($116.5 million)

FMF funds will be used to purchase up to two CASA 235 aircraft, up to five BH- 412 medium lift utility helicopters, and ion scanners to support efforts of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and Mexican Army/Air Force (SEDENA) to control their national territory and the southern approach to the United States.

The CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft will complement SEMAR's existing fleet of aircraft and planned purchase of additional aircraft, and will enhance SEMAR's ability to conduct long-range maritime patrols. These aircraft, both existing and planned, will enable SEMAR to conduct maritime surveillance over the eastern Pacific Ocean and the western Caribbean Sea thereby increasing the GOM's maritime domain awareness. The CASA 235 patrol aircraft will also provide SEMAR's surveillance and coordination functions, increasing its capability to seize illicit cargo and deny the use of Mexican waters to transnational criminals and terrorists. In addition to up to two aircraft, the package provided will include logistics support (primarily spare parts and limited technical support) for three years. Funding will also support transition training (training for experienced pilots to fly a new type of aircraft) for Mexican pilots.

The BH-412 helicopters will provide mobility support to SEDENA for a variety of missions, including counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations. The helicopters will be equipped for day and night flight, and will improve SEDENA's ability to quickly deploy forces to establish security needed for successful interdiction of arms, drugs, and persons. In addition to providing up to five helicopters, funds will also be used to provide a logistics support package (primarily spare parts and limited technical support) for two years for the new aircraft and possibly four GOM-owned helicopters already in service. Funding will also support transition training (training for experienced pilots to fly a new type of aircraft) for Mexican pilots.

The ion scanners will be used by SEDENA to help detect illicit drug and arms trafficking through remote areas of Mexico and will support the GOM's effort to mount a robust interdiction system via land routes. The ion scanners are molecular detectors capable of identifying both explosives and narcotics. These devices assist in making rapid, preliminary assessments of suspicious items that security forces could encounter while conducting routine or counternarcotics/counterterrorism operations. The provision of ion scanners will contribute to the effectiveness of the GOM's comprehensive interdiction strategy and support the expansion of non-intrusive inspection equipment operations throughout the country's interior. In addition to the scanners, funding will provide a standard maintenance package for the ion scanners.