Document: 2007 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Procedures

Counternarcotics cooperation with the BRV collapsed in the second quarter of 2005. President Chavez threatened to expel DEA from Venezuela and broke off all bilateral counternarcotics cooperation. DEA is still at post, but its staff is much reduced and is limited to informal contacts with BRV law enforcement. The National Anti-Drug Office (ONA), the last BRV office to maintain contact with the NAS, broke off contact in February and, hence, no longer facilitates post's monitoring of Government of Venezuela counternarcotics efforts.

There is little hope that cooperation will improve in the near to medium term. As a result, post is unable to effectively monitor resources donated to the BRV. To monitor the use of equipment donated to official entities, the NAS personnel must make periodic project visits and request reports from Venezuelan project managers. Such visits are increasingly difficult and most often occur unofficially. The NAS contacts provide EUM data without the knowledge of their superiors. For projects with the Venezuelan military services (Army, National Guard, Navy and Air Force), the U.S. Military Group provided the majority of the EUM information, particularly with regard to 506 (a) (2) and EDA equipment; however, since 2004 it has not been granted access to key Venezuelan military facilities. Without this access, the NAS is unable to carry out EUM of equipment controlled by the Venezuelan military.

NAS personnel conduct EUM through on-site inspections, written and oral reports from host country project administrators, and discussions with other sources to determine use and effectiveness of resources. Additionally, the NAS will draw upon DEA site visits to obtain EUM equipment status.

Upon delivery of new project equipment to host nation counterparts, the NAS executes a Note of Agreement (NOA). This statement, signed by a NAS official and an official of the recipient organization, includes item description, quantities, and serial numbers. The NOA also contains information listing what expectations the NAS has for the use of the donated equipment, e.g. where the equipment is to be used and for what purpose.

Post uses these mechanisms to inspect the commodities and resources and to determine the extent of utilization, level of maintenance, overall condition and need for replacement. During site visits, embassy personnel discuss project requirements, strategies, goals, and End Use Monitoring. With regard to projects located far from the capital, NAS officials make at least two visits during the year and enlist the assistance of other mission elements that may travel to these areas.

Status

Dogs

In 1998, the NAS provided six (6) dogs in conjunction with a training visit for Venezuelan canine program personnel to the U.S. Air Force, Lackland AFB canine program personnel. In 1999, the dogs began to produce litters of puppies to provide a source for drug detection dogs. The breeding dogs are kept at the canine training center in Barquisimeto. The NAS and the USCG sponsored the TDY assignment of a dog handler to assess and support the canine unit. During 2002, the USCS Canine Center donated two new dogs to the unit. At the same time, the NAS entered into a contract with a local veterinarian to improve the health and nutrition of the neglected animals. The state of health of the dogs improved greatly, although the National Guard has not effectively used the dogs in counternarcotics activities. Without an LOA, post has had to cancel the services of a local vet. A contract to provide high-quality food to the canine unit will expire in March 2007 and will likely not be renewed.

Vehicles

The former Prosecutors Drug Task Force (PDTF) works with two separate groups: the Judicial Police (CICPC) and the National Guard Anti-Drug Command (GNAD). The PDTF functions under direct DEA supervision. Since 2001, the NAS has donated 19 cars and two motorcycles. One car was totaled in 2003. Since the freeze in USG-BRV counternarcotics cooperation, the PDTF has essentially ceased to function. Meanwhile, PDTF vehicles are being used by the GNAD and National Anti-Drug Office (ONA). Post has no way of ensuring that they are being used to support counternarcotics activities.

A Ford Festiva sedan and a Toyota pickup Hilux were donated to the National Commission Against the Illicit Use of Drugs (CONACUID) in 1998. The Ford Festiva was wrecked and has been out-of-service since 2004. The pickup is being used by the ONA interdiction office.

Two of the three Toyota FJ80 Land Cruisers assigned to the Port Security Project were stolen at gunpoint from one of the U.S. DHS/CBP advisors. The remaining Land Cruiser is in good condition. A Jeep Cherokee replaced one of the stolen FJ80's.

In June 2007, the NAS donated a 20 passenger bus to the NGO Projumi located in Barquisimeto for its drug demand reduction program.

At the request of LEGATT, a motorcycle was provided to the Homicide Division of the judicial police in April 2007.

Vessels

Six Boston Whalers donated by the NAS to the Venezuelan Navy in 1993 were not monitored in 2007. The USMILGP access to the Venezuelan military bases is an essential tool in conducting 506 (a)(2) EUM. Such access is restricted under the current administration. The last information received was in 2004, indicating that the vessels were based in Puerto Ayacucho, and that they were engaged in a Riverine Patrol Program.

Computer Equipment

In 2003, the NAS provided seven computers to National Financial Intelligence Unit (UNIF) in the Superintendency of Banks (SUDEBAN) to support its expansion of personnel from 20 to 60. This was part of a tri-lateral cooperation in which the British Embassy, UNIF, and the NAS each provided seven computers. In 2002, the NAS provided five computer workstations, five printers, a video projector, two laptops, two Iomega ZIP drives, and software to upgrade the UNIF. The equipment upgraded the previously existing LAN, which is used to compile and analyze financial information through a comprehensive system of currency transaction reporting similar to that required in the United States.

Two computers with printers donated to the National Guard Command in Tachira in 1999 continue to be used for data base operations.

The computer network the NAS provided to the Training and Coordination Division of the Public Prosecutor's Office (Fiscalia General) in 1998 continues to be used with NAS-sponsored training programs for implementation of the new judicial reform program which took effect in July of 1999. This reform has changed Venezuela's judicial system from a paper intensive system to an oral, adversarial system of justice similar to that used in the United States.

The eight computers and four laptops provided to the PDTF in 2001 continue to be operational and await reactivation of the unit.

A computer provided to the Export Processing Office in 2002 permitted the automation of records for the first time. It remains operational.

In July 2005, two training centers for X-ray machine operators were established in the airports of Maiquetia and Maracaibo. The centers are equipped with 39 computers and the Safe Passage software to train X-ray machine operators. Maiquetia Airport received six additional computers for a total of 21.

In 2007, the NAS donated 27 laptop computers, 6 printers, to NGO's and BRV public schools focusing on demand reduction. In many cases, donation of this equipment was coordinated with NAS and the Ambassador's Office as part of the mission's public outreach program.

In 2005, the NAS donated 12 computers to Demand Reduction NGO's, two to Alianza, and 10 to PROJUMI. All are operational and being used appropriately.

Laboratory Equipment

The National Guard continues to make effective use of laboratory equipment donated by the NAS, including mass spectrometers/gas chromatographs, infrared spectrophotometers, microscopes, electronic balances and other items. The equipment is located in the Central National Guard laboratory in Caracas and in the regional forensic laboratories established in 1996 in San Cristobal and Puerto La Cruz. The equipment is overdue for maintenance and repair.

Defense Articles

In 1999, the USG completed delivery of the following items to the Government of Venezuela (GOV) under Presidential drawdown authority under Section 502 (A) (2): 82-foot Point Class Coast Guard cutters (2); LCM 8 utility Landing Craft (1); PBR Riverine patrol boats (6); C-26 aircraft (2); PRC 77 radio sets and related equipment (77). The MILGRP plays an active role in checking on the status of these items but has not had access to monitor their use since 2001.

Cutters-The two 82-foot Point Class cutters named the Albatross and Pelican were last observed in the Punta Fijo naval base on Venezuela's Caribbean coast. The starboard engine on the Pelican was replaced in 2002. Both are used in detection and monitoring patrols off the east coast of Venezuela and along the maritime boundary with Trinidad and Tobago. The MILGP played an active role in checking on the status of these items but has not had access to monitor their use since 2002.

Landing Craft-The LCM Landing Craft named Margarita is being used by the Venezuelan Coast Guard to support Riverine patrol operations. It is located at Ciudad Bolivar on the Orinco River. It was last inspected by MILGP in 2002.

Riverine Patrol Boats-Six Riverine patrol boats are alleged to be in use by the Venezuelan Marines. They are located on the Orinoco River at the Colombian border and support efforts to control Riverine contraband of drugs and chemical precursors. The boats' outboard Yamaha 75-hp engines vary in condition from good to fair. These boats were last inspected by a USMILGP officer in March 2002.

Communications Equipment

Thirteen intercept sets (Triggerfish, Angelfish, and Swordfish) are under the direct control of the President of the ONA. This equipment is in good condition but somewhat antiquated. The sets are no longer being used, but ONA intended to employ them along the Colombian Border in support of counternarcotics operations.

Miscellaneous Equipment

In July 2007, the NAS donated to the municipal police of San Cristobal, state of Tachira one contraband inspection kit and one buster contraband detector.

Eight radiation detectors were turned over to the Anti-Drug Command in Puerto Cabello. The two others are under NAS staff control.

Four X-ray machines for luggage inspection and two Ion scan machines were donated to the airport in Maiquetia in 2003. An X-ray machine for luggage inspection was donated to the airport of Valencia in 2003. The NAS has contact with the operators and confirms that the equipment is operational. Two forklifts of 5-ton capacity each were purchased in 2005 for the unloading and loading of the containers in the Cargo inspection facility in Puerto Cabello.

Eight radiation detectors were turned over to the Anti-Drug Command in Puerto Cabello. The two others are under NAS staff control.

Construction Projects

Construction of the Container Inspection Facility in Puerto Cabello is nearing completion. Installation of dock doors and load levelers is done. The installation of a ventilation and CO monitoring system remains.

Problems

Venezuela is now the preferred transmit point for drugs leaving Colombia. Two key factors have contributed to the increased trafficking: rampant corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement and a weak judicial system. As a result, organized crime flourishes, with seizures and arrests of underlings more an annoyance than a threat. After vilifying DAO and MILGROUP, the BRV turned its attention to DEA, at one point threatening to expel all DEA personnel. This resulted in the collapse of most of our counternarcotics projects with no hope of renewing cooperation in the near to medium term. Moreover, bilateral relations could get much worse before getting better. As a result of Venezuela's refusal to cooperate and obstructionist behavior since March 2005, the U.S. Government was unable to certify the Venezuela Government as an ally in the war on drugs in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Nevertheless, DEA continues working with its law enforcement contacts in developing information and leads that contribute to record seizures, typically outside of Venezuela's jurisdiction.

Impact

In 2007, the greatest impact of NAS assistance was in the field of public diplomacy and demand reduction. NAS programs throughout 2007 educated thousands of VZ youth about the dangers of drug abuse while simultaneously providing a forum and media coverage to advance USG views and defend USG values. NAS assistance did little to disrupt the transit of narcotics through VZ since the DEA vetted unit was disbanded and DEA itself was short-staffed for much of the year.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

The United States has a keen interest in preserving and strengthening Venezuelan democratic institutions and in encouraging the development of a vibrant and independent civil society. The U.S. program focuses on strengthening Venezuelan civil society to better serve the interests and needs of the Venezuelan population.

Governing Justly and Democratically: The United States will support diplomatic efforts to promote human rights and protect democratic space by encouraging more pluralistic and democratic political leadership. U.S. assistance will support political parties and civil society groups to find a resolution to the current political crisis by facilitating dialogue, public debate on key issues, support to democratic institutions, and the promotion of citizen participation and democratic leadership. Programs will involve both government and opposition supporters, and will be open to all regardless of political leaning. Many of the activities will serve to motivate the public’s participation in the democratic process and to promote basic values of representative democracy. Non-governmental organizations are key institutions in a vibrant, democratic society and facilitate a healthy exchange of ideas. The United States will work with these organizations within civil society to promote and protect the rights of the Venezuelan people through training in effective community activism and will offer Venezuelan human rights organizations successful strategies employed by human rights defenders in other countries.

Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.

Document: March 6, 2007 Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee

Admiral Stavridis, commander, U.S. Southern Command: I would start by observing that, historically, the United States and Venezuela have had very close relations. And it is unfortunate that, at the moment, we do not enjoy that at a government-to-government level. And at a military-to- military level, Senator, we have no relationship unfortunately.
We have tried to reach out to the Venezuelan military. We've invited them to conferences. We want to have some level of understanding and dialogue with them, but they have rejected that. They have also -- "they," the government of Venezuela, has not been cooperative in the narcotics fight, and we are very concerned about trans-shipment of cocaine through Venezuela.

Document: March 6, 2007 Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee

Program: Foreign Military Sales

Admiral Stavridis, commander, U.S. Southern Command: Russia is involved, I think, almost strictly on a commercial sales basis most notably to Venezuela. The Russians have recently sold 25 advanced fighter aircraft, 50 attack helicopters, 100,000 AK-103 rifles with a license to produce 25,000 more, three diesel submarines. There are three more on contract. There's a large component of Russian arm sales to Venezuela that is of concern.

Document: March 6, 2007 Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee

Admiral Stavridis, commander, U.S. Southern Command: The good news is the United States remains the partner of choice to, I would say, the majority of nations in the region, including almost everywhere in Central America, most of the Caribbean, and most of South America. We have close military-to-military relations with almost every state with the exception of Cuba and Venezuela. Even in countries where we have differences at the government-to- government level, like Nicaragua or Bolivia, Ecuador at times, we continue to have strong military-to-military relations.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Bilateral Cooperation. The GOV has minimized all counternarcotics related cooperation and contact with the USG. Despite repeated requests, the GOV has not signed an MOU addendum with the USG since 2005.

In 2007, the GOV ended the judicial sector’s participation in several USG-funded United Nation’s Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) programs, and indicated to the UNODC that the GOV would not participate in any programs receiving USG funds. While the USG continues to reach out to traditional counternarcotics contacts in the GOV, increasing support has been given to non-traditional partners, including NGOs involved in demand reduction, and regional and municipal government anticrime and counternarcotics programs.

The GOV has not made the USG-funded Container Inspection Facility (CIF) at Puerto Cabello operational. Completed in late 2006, the CIF was intended to provide a venue and equipment (forklifts, tools, and safety equipment) for Venezuelan authorities to unload and examine containers in a safe and protected environment. Now, despite the fact that the USG estimates 70 percent of narcotics from Colombia transit the Tachira-Puerto Cabello corridor, the facility remains unused. The Port Authority of Puerto Cabello threatened in late 2007 to take over the facility, although the GOV-approved project stipulated that it must be used for counternarcotics activities. The threat of a takeover by the Port Authority puts at risk one of the few remaining areas of bilateral cooperation.

A number of private Venezuelan companies are still enrolled in the U.S. Customs Service’s Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition (BASC) program. This program seeks to deter smuggling, including narcotics, in commercial cargo shipments by enhancing private sector security programs. Despite initial progress, the difficult relations between the USG and the GOV have slowed the pace of this program in both the Valencia and Caracas BASC chapters.

Signs of progress do exist. The Venezuelan government still continues to authorize the USG to board Venezuelan flagged vessels on the high seas suspected of being engaged in narcotics trafficking. In one such incident in October 2007, the GOV permitted a joint U.S. Coast Guard—Royal Navy Group to board a drug-laden Venezuelan-registered vessel in international waters after some delay. Also in October, at the presentation of the new U.S. Ambassador’s credentials, President Chavez indicated that Venezuela and the U.S. should look for areas to renew cooperation and cited counternarcotics as one such area.

The Road Ahead. In 2008, the USG remains prepared to renew cooperation with Venezuelan counterparts to fight the increasing flow of illegal drugs. One clear step for the GOV to make would be to conclude signing the outstanding MOU addendum, which would free up funds for joint counternarcotics projects. Another would be to start stemming the rise in drug transits from Colombia by working with the USG to retain and make operational the Container Inspection Facility (CIF) at Puerto Cabello. Once these first steps are taken, the USG and GOV can begin restarting other stalled projects, including the development of a drug intelligence fusion and analysis center and the initiation of riverine interdiction operations on the Orinoco River. These steps would help to dismantle the growing organized criminal networks, and aid in the prosecution of criminals engaged in trafficking.