Hide header UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000130 SIPDIS DEPT FOR INL/LP, INL/RM, WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR[Narcotics], AMGT[Management Operations], PGOV[Internal Governmental Affairs], PINR[Intelligence], PREL[External Political Relations], AFIN[Financial Management], CS[Costa Rica] SUBJECT: COSTA RICA 2009 END-USE MONITORING (EUM) REPORT REF: 09 STATE 119905; 09 SAN JOSE 933

1. Per Ref A, Embassy San Jose provides the following information regarding EUM of resources acquired with U.S. Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) funds.

2. EUM Program Coordinator: NAO Robert B. Andrew, IVG 220-2253, andrewrb@state.gov. The NAO is part of the Embassy's Political/Economic Section.

3. Inventory System: Embassy San Jose NAS section maintains an inventory of donated property using an excel spreadsheet; however, we are developing a more efficient system using Microsoft Access.

4. Embassy's Narcotics Affairs Officer and Program Assistants are responsible for the EUM. On-site inspections are performed and the equipment donated is checked against an inventory log. DEA Special Agents and Office of the Defense Representative staff periodically visited Costa Rican counternarcotics installations and verified the proper use and continued maintenance of equipment acquired with INL funds.

5. The Drug Control Police (PCD), National Police Academy, Costa Rican Coast Guard (SNGC), Air Surveillance Section (SVA), Canine Unit of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS)and Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Narcotics Section, Financial Crimes/Money Laundering Unit, Audio/Photograph Unit of the Forensics Lab, Surveillance/Monitoring Unit, Cybercrimes Unit, Judicial School and Canine Unit of the Organization for Judicial Investigations (OIJ), Supreme Court's Child and Sex Exploitation Unit (CSE) from the Prosecutors Offices, Costa Rican Institute on Drugs (ICD), and Intelligence and Security Bureau (DIS) from the Ministry of the Presidency all used INL-funded equipment and training in their operations according to the terms of the Letters of Agreement (LOA's) signed with the GOCR.

6. All donated equipment is documented with a specific document signed by an Embassy representative and the senior official from the recipient GOCR agency. The donation document specifies the equipment being donated and notes the inventory and manufacturer's serial number. The documents include the following text: "If the donated items do not meet the user's needs, according to the letter of agreement, then the items may not be reassigned to another Department and the U.S. Embassy Political Section must be notified immediately."

7. On-site scheduled inspections of all GOCR recipients were performed in November and December, 2009 and January, 2010, except for the Prosecutor's offices in Limon, Perez Zeledon, Quepos and San Carlos. We also have not yet visited the border installation at Penas Blancas, which we will visit in mid-February and we will report septel. Visits to these outlying areas are infrequent due to limited INL funding and insufficient staff. Scheduled visits (12) were as follows: November 9, 2009: OIJ's Canine Unit November 10, 2009: MPS's CSE Unit and Police Academy, San Jose Facility. November 11, 2009: MPS's Police Academy, Pavas Facility. December 7, 2009: MPS's Canine Unit. December 14, 2009: MPS's Immigration Department, Prosecutor's Office in San Jose, and the following OIJ units: Surveillance and Monitoring; Narcotics; Money Laundering and Economic/Financial Crimes and Cyber Crimes. January 12, 2010: MPS's Drug Control Police (PCD). January 14, 2010: MPS's Air Surveillance Section (SVA). January 15, 2010: OIJ's Forensic Lab and Judicial School, Heredia January 19, 2010: Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD) January 22, 2010: Ministry of the Presidency's Intelligence and Security Bureau (DIS) and Interpol January 26, 2010: MPS's Coast Guard (SNGC). INL performed 12 on-site inspections and visited 16 counterpart sites mostly in San Jose and Heredia. A total of 1045 items (80% of all donated items) were subject to this inspection method. On November 23, 2009, the NAO made an unscheduled visit to inspect donated items to the Costa Rican coast guard at Quepos on the Pacific coast. Also, unscheduled visits were completed all year-round by NAO Officer, DEA Special Agents and Office of the Defense Representative staff, as scheduling and funding permit.

8. Other secondary methods of monitoring resources are written reports and/or computerized records with GOCR inventory numbers, and signed by head offices, indicating the status of the equipment. NAS staff also regularly discusses the status of INL-funded commodities/projects with host government officials. Approximate 20 percent of donated items are monitored using secondary methods.

A. Computers and Peripherals, and other Equipment

Coast Guard (SNGC): In CY 02, CY 03, CY 04 and CY 06 NAS provided a Sony Notebook Pentium 4 laptop, a Sony Camcorder, a Sony digital camera, a HP office hey print/copy/scanner/fax, a UPS and two USB memory sticks. Out of service equipment include: a Panasonic fax, two Panasonic VCRs, a Toshiba 1400 laptop that could not be repaired, an Infocus LCD Projector. The rest of the equipment is being used for its intended purpose.

National Police Academy: In CY 01 NAS provided two Dell laptops, one scanner, two color printers, one digital camera, one camcorder and two video projectors. One of the Dell laptops was stolen but replaced, and the screen of the other one is not working so it is used with a projector. In CY 05, NAS provided a computer, Toshiba laptop with case, two Epson printers, Microsoft Office software and a video projector. In CY 07, INL provided a Toshiba Laptop, screen with tripod and an Infocus LCD Projector. The laptop, which has not worked since it was donated, has yet to be fixed by the Police Academy. The projector works for 10 minutes, gets warm and then it turns off; it has also not yet been repaired. According to Academy officials, the laptop and projector have not been working well since they were donated. Out of service equipment include two Epson color printers and one Dell laptop. This equipment is distributed between the National Police Academy's headquarters at the MPS building and the Academy's facility in Pavas, and is being used for its intended purpose.

Supreme Court Judicial School: In CY 05 NAS provided one Intel Pentium 4 computer, one Toshiba laptop with case, two Epson printers, a 700VA UPS, one surge protector, one Microsoft Office license and an Epson Powerlite projector. Due to lack of funding for cartridges, the Epson Ink jet printer is not currently in use. The rest of the equipment is being used for its intended purpose.

MPS Child and Sex Exploitation (CSE) Unit: In CY 06 NAS provided 10 computers, 10 Epson printers, MS Office 2003 and Windows XP Pro software, 10 surge protectors, three Toshiba laptops and one Epson projector. One of the computers is damaged and has been sent to the MPS repair shop. Some printers have run out of toner and the Unit does not have enough funds in their budget to buy new ones. The equipment is used for the investigation of CSE cases.

Intelligence and Security Bureau (DIS): In CY 06 NAS provided six Dell computers, one Canon digital copying machine, and one ScanJet for the Interpol office. In CY 07 one HP LaserJet printer was also donated. The equipment has been very useful to speed up investigations; officers have been able to dedicate more time to investigate each case since nearly all paper files were moved to the computers.

Precursor Control (ICD): In CY 00 NAS provided a Dell server with monitor. In CY 02 NAS funded the purchase of a Jaguar computer, an antivirus software package, an HP deskjet printer, one Epson and one HP printer, and a Powerlite LCD projector. The Dell server and Jaguar computer are obsolete, but are in good condition. The equipment was originally donated to the Ministry of Health, which at the time had responsibility for precursor chemical control. In 2004 the precursor chemical office was moved from the Health Ministry to ICD's headquarters. This equipment is now located in their headquarters and continues to be used for its intended purpose.

OIJ Money Laundering Unit: In CY 04 and 05, NAS provided three Toshiba laptops, eight computers, two HP scanners, two HP printers, two memory sticks, eight flash memory, two Intimus 502 shredders, two high volume shredders, two file cabinets, one HP LaserJet, one Panasonic fax, one digital camera, one camcorder, and one copying machine. They reported that the two HP printers and the fax machine are damaged and have been sent to the repair shop. The rest of the items are being used for their intended purposes. OIJ Cyber Crimes Unit: In CY 04, 05, and 06 NAS provided six Dell computers, two DAT external tape drives, four ATA Raid controller, two wireless PC cards, two drivelock USBs, three drivelocks in a caddy, six SCSI cards, four promise SATA 150 controller cards, four Encase Forensic software and upgrade packages, four Forensic Toolkit Accessdata packages, one password recovery kit, one wireless Access Pont, and two OmniFlash Ide Uno. All the equipment is being used for its intended purpose. They reported that two Dell Monitors and one DAT External tape drivers are damaged and couldn't be fixed.

Immigration Directorate: In CY03 INL provided 10 Jaguar 1500 Pentium 4 computers to be installed at the Juan Santamaria International Airport to enhance the arrival-departure information system. NAS also provided 3 Ricoh Scanners, one HP multifunctional scanner/printer/copier. They reported that 7 of the computers are damaged, two are being used in regional offices and one is at IT office, the rest of the equipment works properly.

OIJ Narcotics Section: In CY 01, 02, 03, 04 and 06 NAS provided a Cannon Digital Copier, two Jaguar high performance Pentium IV computers, an Apple computer with DVD recorder, three HP DeskJet printers -two have been sent to the repair shop, only one is being used-, two Epson digital cameras, two Sony camcorders, two Panasonic camcorders, three Sony Mavica digital cameras -one was damaged and couldn't be fixed; three Sony Mavica photo printers -not frequently used due to the high cost of the paper it prints on- and one LaserJet printer. All of the equipment is being used to support on-going counternarcotics operations/initiatives.

OIJ Photographic and Audiovisual Section of the Forensic Science Laboratory: In CY 06, 07 and 09 NAS donated two voice-activated recorders, four color black and white miniaturized cameras, 3 ultra miniaturized button cameras, 25 telephone microphones, four 2GB Secure Digital cards, two AstroScope Night Vision modules, two adapters for a Canon and a Sony camcorder and ArcView software. With the new equipment, the unit was able to record drug

transactions in dark environments where they were not able to operate before. The unit reported that the donated equipment has contributed to enhancing the response capacity, improved the quality and definition of the evidence gathered for prosecuting drug and sex crimes as well as reduced costs. In 2009 this Section investigated 1088 cases, but we do not have information on how many were successfully prosecuted or sent to court. The equipment has been used all around the country and is well taken care of. The Section maintains a log with the information of the person that will be using the equipment and condition in which it was handed-over. With this equipment they can now support various investigation requests that they were not able to do in the past due to lack of equipment.

OIJ Surveillance and Monitoring Unit: In CY 07 NAS provided four Sony HandyCams, four Sony digital cameras, eight memory sticks, four rechargeable batteries and two double chargers. The equipment is used to investigate all major cases around the country.

CSE Prosecution Units in San Jose, Perez Zeledon, Quepos, Limon and San Carlos: IN CY 02, 03, and 04 NAS provided three HP IPAQ pocket PCs, three HP foldable keyboards for HP IPAQ pocket PCs, three DeskJet printers, 8 cassette recorders and one scanner for the Unit in San Jose. This unit reported that the HP IPAQ have been sent to the repair shop on July 2009. For the other four prosecution units, in CY 05 and 06 NAS provided eight Dell computers, MS Office 2003 software, eight Epson printers, four HP ScanJet, four Panasonic faxes, four Canon copying machines and four Canon digital cameras. A written report from the Chief Prosecutor's Office indicated that one copier machine is damaged at the CSE Prosecution office in San Carlos; the rest of the equipment is in good condition and is being used for its intended purpose. The equipment contributed to more efficient prosecutorial actions.

Drug Control Police (PCD): From CY 01-07 INL provided three Jaguar computers, one Dell Optiplex computer, one Imac Ruby computer, a 36 GB hard disk, an Apple computer with DVD burner, computer software and licenses, computer 48-port switch, a 4-port analog module for connectivity outside San Jose, one HP printer, two ScanJet, one Applied Magic video editor, and Mapinfo geographic information system (GIS) software. In CY-08 NAS provided 3 Analyst's Notebook 6 & Chart Reader 6, 3 Analyst's Notebook , 1 Patter Tracer TCA, 1 Pattern Tracer TCA Telephone Call Analysis User Guide, 4 iBase Designer, 1 iBase Designer, 1 iBase Designer guide, 3 iBridge 1 iBridge, 1 iBridge Designer Guide, 1 USB dongle (SN 078236) and 2 DSC-H7 Sony Cybershot Digital Cameras. In CY-10 NAS donated the latest upgrade to the i2 Analyst's Notebook.

The Jaguar computers are still working but they are way beyond their useful life. They reported that the HP printer was damaged and was irreparable. The rest of the equipment is being used for its intended purpose.

OIJ K-9 Unit: In CY 01, 02 and 03 NAS provided three Jaguar Pentium III computers, one HP DeskJet printer, one HP LaserJet, one HP ScanJet, three UPS, two 24-switch ports, two optical fiber converters, one Sony camcorder, and one memory stick. The HP ScanJet is damaged and is currently not being used. This equipment is at the OIJ's K-9 Unit in Heredia and is being used for its intended purpose.

ICD: From CY 01-07 NAS provided two Jaguar computers, one digital camcorder, one Cisco ASA Platform, three Dell power connect switches, four Dell Optiplex computers, software, an Epson Powerlite projector, an Epson printer, a HP deskjet printer and one Dell PE server. They reported that the HP printer has been disposed of as it couldn't be fixed and the Cisco ASA platform was changed for another one at their expense; also the HP deskjet was irreparably damaged.

Guardian Software: NAS funded the purchase of computer software in 2003 that enabled ICD to electronically communicate with the El

Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) using the DEA Guardian software in the format required by EPIC. This software is outdated but still in use.

B. Communications Equipment

SNGC: In CY-08 NAS provided 5 XTS4250 and 2 XTL 5000 Motorola Radios, 12 Furuno GP37 DGPS/WAAS Navigator and 5 GPSMAP 76CSX #010-00469-00, 5 Garmin Cigarette Lighter adapter and 5 Garmin Marine Mount f/72.

C. Aircraft

In CY08 Post donated a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II aircraft to the Ministry of Public Security's Air Surveillance Section(SVA). This is a fixed wing aircraft used for transportation of official government members, surveillance and as an air ambulance. Head of the SVA reported that this aircraft has not been used in approximately six months due to some mechanical problems. The Ministry of Public Security has allocated funds for the repair costs on the engine and the propellers.

D. Vehicles

2002 Ford Econoline Duty XLT Truck for ICD: From CY 02-05 NAS provided vehicles and equipment for ICD under the CICAD/Mobile Enforcement Team Project. INL funded the purchase of a customized Ford Econoline utility truck, Econoline Wagon 15-passenger utility van, two Yamaha XT225 motorcycles, trailer, Honda generator, tools, and equipment for the truck. The MET conducted counternarcotics operations as well as a number of cross-border training exercises with counterparts in Nicaragua and Panama, however starting in CY08 and after a court ruling, ICD can no longer conduct interdiction operations; instead it provides logistic support and training for the Uniformed Police (Fuerza Publica)to carry these operations.

After several years of numerous maintenance problems with the 2002 Ford Econoline truck (MET) and consultations with ICD, we agreed that the best way to use the truck was to trade it in for a new Toyota Hi Lux (Costa Rican plate number 243085) diesel pick-up. They moved the back part of the old MET truck to the new vehicle. ICD reported that the specialized tools are kept in three different locations: on the truck, at ICD's main building and at warehouse of their property in San Joaqu????n de Flores.

2003 Ford E-150 eight-passenger van for PCD: In CY 03 Post INL donated a Ford van under the Ministry of Public Security/Drug Control Police Project to support PCD operations throughout the country. It continues to be useful for transporting groups of PCD Officials to conduct counternarcotics operations around the country.

2003 Ford E-350 15-Passenger van for MPS K-9 Unit: In CY 03 NAS donated a Ford van under the Ministry of Public Security/Canine Unit Project to support MPS's K-9 Unit operations. In CY-04 tools were provided for the van and are kept in a locked box and used as needed. The head of the K-9 Unit reported that 15 days prior to the inspection the vehicle was in a minor accident and was being repaired.

2003 Toyota Rav-4s for OIJ: In CY 03 NAS purchased two Toyota RAV-4s for the OIJ under the Supreme Court/OIJ Narcotics Section Project to conduct undercover surveillance operations. In October 2008 both vehicles were traded in as a down payment for two new 2008 Daihatsu Terios plate numbers 728551 and 1-739947.

2003 FORD F-250 XL Truck for SNGC: In CY 03 NAS funded 50 percent of the purchase cost of a Ford F-250 truck under the Colombia Supplemental Project, which allowed the SNGC to transport patrol craft to various Coast Guard stations around the country. The SNGC provided 50 percent of the funding for this vehicle with the understanding that it would be subject to the same end use monitoring requirements as any other vehicle purchased completely with INL funds. This vehicle is being used for its intended purpose.

2003 CHEVROLET GEO TRACKER for MPS K-9 Unit: In CY 03 NAS purchased this vehicle for a then-funded customs advisor to provide mobile technical assistance and training to establish a sustainable and effective counternarcotics cargo inspection regime within PCD, Ministry of Finance (PCF), and OIJ to include their K-9 Units. The customs advisor departed in 2004 and his position was not filled. In 2007 this vehicle was donated to the MPS K-9 Unit to help them deploy around the country. The chief of the K-9 unit reported that the steering system was being repaired at the time of our inspection. It is being used for its intended purpose.

E. Vessels

COASTAL PATROL CRAFT: Costa Rica received three 82-ft decommissioned USCG cutters as a donation of Excess Defense Articles in 2001. Transfer packages for these vessels were supported with Post's INL funds, and included the re-fitting of all electronics and communications systems, training for the SNGC crews, and a full complement of spare parts.

The ships 82-3 "Juan Rafael Mora" and 82-2 "Juan Santamaria" are based in the Pacific port of Puntarenas. The 82-4 "Pancha Carrasco" is stationed in the southern Pacific port of Golfito.

In 2008, NAS provided spare parts and labor costs for the repair of the refrigerators on the the 82-2 "Juan Santamaria" and 82-3 "Juan Rafael Mora". Also in CY09 NAS funded repair for the air conditioning system in the 82-3 "Juan Rafael Mora" and two generators in the 82-4 "Pancha Carrasco". All three vessels are operational and being used for their intended purpose. NOTE: These three 82-foot patrol boats are scheduled to be completely overhauled using FY2008-2009 Merida FMF funds. END NOTE.

RIGID HULL INFLATABLE PATROL CRAFT (RHI): Six RHI fast patrol craft were transferred to SNGC from CY 00-02 under the Coast Guard Organization Project. Each RHI was equipped with two Honda 130 hp outboard engines and complete rigging, electronics, and safety equipment at the Coast Guard Station in Puntarenas. None are operational and all of the salvageable equipment from each vessel has been removed to and is being used on other SNGC vessels. These locally-manufactured vessels experienced numerous problems with the inflatable section of their hulls. In CY 06 SNGC requested authorization to remove the radar, communication and navigation equipment to install them on other vessels as needed; as of 2009 most of the equipment had been transferred for use on other vessels, with some of the equipment remaining in storage at the SNGC Station in Quepos.

FIBERGLASS FAST BOATS: Two 26-foot fiberglass fast boats were donated to the Ministry of Public Security in CY 02 under the Colombia Supplemental Project. Each fast boat was equipped with two 120 horsepower Mercruiser diesel engines, complete rigging, electronics, and safety equipment. Currently there is one operational, the other is being repaired. All 4 Mercruiser Diesel engines have been replaced by engines confiscated from traffickers. When operational, these vessels are being used for their intended purposes.

F. Canine Program Ministry of Public Security K-9 Unit: In CY 03 NAS contracted with CSI International for five narcotics detection dogs with a one-year training and certification package. Of the five original dogs, all have been retired or died with only one still active, but will be retired soon due to spinal problems.

G. Construction Projects Ministry of Public Security Penas Blancas Border checkpoint: In CY 02 NAS funded the construction of a counternarcotics inspection station at Penas Blancas, the main border crossing point between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In CY 03 NAS funded the purchase of tools, furniture, and other equipment to outfit the inspection station. Also in CY 03, NAS secured the donation of a used 40-kilowatt Cummins diesel-powered electrical generator from Embassy San Jose for the border inspection station. Construction was completed in November 2003 with the exception of minor modifications. The inspection station was formally donated on April 2004.

We will inspect the Penas Blancas facility in mid-February 2010 and will report septel.

Coast Guard Station in Quepos: NAS funds were used to construct a 3000 square foot, two-story building with a storage/maintenance facility for two fast boats. The building also includes a dormitory for 15 personnel, kitchen, dining facility/conference room, operations center, and storage facilities. New and old furniture were donated to outfit the station. The Coast Guard station is located in the Pacific port of Quepos and has been operational since November 2003. The station and furniture were formally donated to the SNGC on February 2004. The NAO visited the building in November 2009 and noted that the overall condition of the building was good. The building is being used for its intended purpose.

H. Miscellaneous Equipment

Immigration Directorate: In CY 02 NAS provided a Panasonic fax machine, 60 optical passport readers, five mobile inspection terminals and funded the development of related specialized software. They reported that the fax machine, 40 optical readers and four mobile inspection terminals have been irreparably damaged. The remaining 20 readers are being used in regional offices; one inspection terminal is in use at the IT section. The software is performing as expected. In CY 05 NAS provided a Brother Intellifax 4100 Machine which is in use at the records department.

In CY 03 and CY 04 NAS provided security ink and stamps along with appropriate security lockers, and the GOCR intended to purchase additional ink and stamps to supply all ports of entry around the country, although it was not until CY07 that they were finally used. The ink stamps were replaced in 2009 by an electronic stamp at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose and at the Golfito port of entry.

Air Surveillance Section (SVA): From CY 02-04 NAS donated six Garmin handheld GPSs and two 400-IFR GPSs for the SVA's aircraft, spare parts and two six-man aviation life rafts with canopies, two Tasco 7x50 binoculars, one projector, one Toshiba notebook laptop, and furniture for the Tactic Monitoring Office. The unit reported one binocular lost during an operation in 2009. The donated GPS navigation systems have been installed in aircrafts MSP003/MSP019 and are functioning properly. One of the life rafts is damaged and cannot be used anymore, thus it will be removed from the inventory. In CY08 NAS donated 4 HGU-56/P helmets, 20 shoulder holsters with double harness, 20 paddle Roto Taurus 92 & 99 Roto-Holster paddle, double mag pouch Beretta 9mm Roto paddle and 23 Nomex flight suits. Also in CY09 INL provided an Aspen Avionics Electronic Flight Instrument System that was installed in aircraft number MSP017, one HP 110-125 mini laptop and a Canon D60 digital camera. The equipment is being used for their intended purpose and is kept at

the SVA Operations Section. This unit maintains a log with the information of the person that will be using the equipment and condition in which it was handed-over.

Intelligence and Security Bureau (DIS): in CY07 NAS provided a Pelco Spectra Dome Security Surveillance B&W Camera that was installed at the DIS main building. INL also donated a rapid eye LT Recorder Video Unit, three wall mounts for the Spectra mini smoked dome, three spectra, three power source for Domos, one 17-inch monitor, one Dome control module, a code converter RS232 to RS485 for PTZ control, three video baluns for UTP cable use and three Spectra III UTP Video Modules. This equipment will be installed at the Immigration cubicles at the Juan Santamaria Airport once some new construction is completed. They reported that part of the equipment has been temporarily installed at the DIS building. In CY2008 eight Phyton Level IIIA ballistic vests were donated to the DIS. All of the equipment is operational and is kept at the DIS facility.

PCD: In CY 01 NAS provided four complete contraband detector kits to the PCD. Complete kits are currently deployed with PCD units located at Corredores in the south of Costa Rica and the port of Limon. This equipment has proven highly effective in detecting cocaine located in hidden compartments, fuel tanks, and tires of tractor-trailers crossing into Costa Rica. An additional kit used for training by Post's Customs Advisor was donated to the PCD in 2004. All of this equipment has been heavily used and is getting old and worn out. Some parts are moved from one inspection point to another depending on which parts of the kit are in good working condition. The optic fibers are worn out and scan images are blurry. Costly re-calibration of the density meters is required with increasing frequency. In CY09 two additional CT-30 kits and two Cellebrite UFED Ruggedized Portable Systems were donated; the latter permits the user to extract data from cell phones and PDAs. In Costa Rica it will be used for conducting criminal and counternarcotics investigations on narcotraffickers' cell phones, and gather evidence for use in prosecution. With the Merida Initiative, we expect U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to donate another 14 kits.

Undercover Surveillance Equipment: In CY 03, CY 04 and CY 06 NAS funded the purchase of equipment to provide video and audio surveillance for PCD operations. This equipment was highly versatile, essential for officer/agent safety, and has been used for documentation of undercover narcotics purchases, providing valuable documentary evidence used in criminal judicial proceedings. However, some of this equipment, such as the Nokia cell phone audio transmitter, is outdated and easily recognized during operations and requires an oversize shirt for PCD's officials. All this equipment is well maintained and is being used for its intended purpose.

OIJ Narcotics Section: Cameras, audio/video and other equipment: From CY 02-04, NAS donated two Epson digital cameras, two Sony digital camcorders, two telex copyette duplicators, four DTMF decoders, two Panasonic Digital camcorders, one Honda generator, three Sony standard cassette transcribing machines, three Sony micro cassette transcribing machines, three Sony Digital cameras, three Sony photo printers, two micro recorders disguised as cigarette packs, two micro recorders disguised as eyeglass cases, six double cassette decks, one card with 24 ports for Hicom 350 communication system, eight telephones, 15 folding police batons, 39 GE cassette recorders, 15 GE mini cassette recorders, two parabolic microphone handheld unit and reflectors, one Epson projector, six Sony radio cassette recorders, two Black & Decker cordless drills, four SME L400II modified cassette recorders, two MiniDV Sony camcorders, 20 remote GE tape recorders, four standard cassette transcribers and dictator, and two voice activated recorders.

During our inspection, we found out that the microcassette transcribing machines were not in use due to MPS' limited funding for cassette tape. They reported that one of the Panasonic Digital Camcorders was lost after an operation. Otherwise, all this equipment is being used for its intended purpose.

CSE Prosecution Units in San Jose, Perez Zeledon, Quepos, Limon and San Carlos: Cameras, audio and other equipment: NAS provided in CY 02, 03, and 06 two micro cassette recorders, one transcriber, one night vision scope, four Nokia digital cameras, five cell phones and four lines, eight desktop cassette recorders and one piece of specialized transmission/reception equipment to the CSE in San Jose. Additionally, four Canon digital cameras and eight voice activated recorders were distributed to offices in the other four parts of the country. According to a December 2009 letter that we received from the Attorney General's office, all of the equipment is functioning properly and is being used for its intended purposes.

Demand Reduction Campaigns: In 2003 NAS funded the purchase of a synthetic drugs master video, with CD-ROM, VHS copies and brochures. In 2005 Post funded a new master video to continue with this program. It was used to start a pilot program under the National Plan against Drugs implemented in public and private schools. Students' inquiries led to design printed material. In 2007 printed and recorded material from this master video was funded to continue with this campaign.

9. Unmonitored Resources - N/A

10. Repair and Maintenance of Commodities - Maintenance of some equipment and the minor structural and drainage problems at Penas Blancas border checkpoint and Quepos coast guard station continue to be a minor problem mostly due to lack of resources.

11. Lack of Use and Misuse of Commodities - N/A

12. Disposal of Commodities - N/A

IMPACT

13. Following the implementation of the bilateral maritime agreement (the first in the region), Embassy San Jose engaged in a $2.15 million, three-year (2000-2003) SNGC Development Plan using Colombia Supplemental funding ($1.9 million) and Post's INL funds. As a result, the SNGC experienced significant growth, increased its operational capability, and became a more professional organization.

Per Ref B, in 2009, Costa Rican authorities seized 20.6 metric tons (MT) of cocaine, of which 13.8 MT were seized on land or air and 6.8 MT were seized in national and/or joint maritime interdiction operations with U.S. law enforcement. The Government of Costa Rica (GOCR) also seized 206,760 doses of crack cocaine, 10 kg of heroin, nearly 900 kilograms of processed marijuana, and eradicated nearly 1,700,000 marijuana plants. They also seized 289 doses of ecstasy and 34 kilograms of ephedrine. Additionally, Costa Rican authorities confiscated more than $1.7 million in U.S. and local currency. The national legislature passed new laws on organized crime, anti-terrorist financing and tougher money laundering legislation in 2009. The more than 64,000 drug-related arrests made in 2009 represent a raw increase of 29,000 arrests (or 44 percent higher) over 2008.

All of the donations listed above have contributed to these impressive statistics.

Approximately $600,000 in Post's INL funds were used in the construction of the Penas Blancas border checkpoint. Penas Blancas is located at a natural chokepoint on the Pan-American Highway, and because of a weak customs agreement between the other Central American nations north of Costa Rica, this border inspection station is the only effective one between Costa Rica and the Mexican border.

Although there are some lingering maintenance issues with the building, our investment has paid off handsomely with over 10,000 kilos of cocaine seized since the facility was formally donated in 2004. Additionally, since 2004 the PCD has seized over 140 kilograms of heroin and more than $5.0 million of bulk cash. The INL-funded border station at Penas Blancas, which deserves continued funding to better secure it and maintenance support, represents an effective deterrent to overland narcotics traffickers and bulk cash movements. The cash movements are usually related to narcotics trafficking (i.e. the cash coming south to pay for the narcotics going north).

The numerous computer systems donated to the various GOCR agencies have increased interagency cooperation by allowing easier communication and information-sharing between agencies. This has led to a more integrated approach to counter-narcotics operations and helped address a critical resource shortage.

Undercover surveillance equipment donated by Post INL had led to the corroboration of intelligence obtained by the OIJ and the DEA Costa Rica Office. The equipment has also greatly enhanced officer safety. ANDREW