Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End Use Check On

VZCZCXYZ0026
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHQT #2605 2991240
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 261240Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY QUITO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5551
INFO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA PRIORITY 6111
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA PRIORITY 3672
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS PRIORITY 2120
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ OCT 0172
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA PRIORITY 1094
RUEHZP/AMEMBASSY PANAMA PRIORITY 0663
RUEHGL/AMCONSUL GUAYAQUIL PRIORITY 1341

UNCLAS QUITO 002605

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC EC ETTC KOMC
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END USE CHECK ON
APPLICATION 05-1007923

REF: STATE 154528

1. (SBU) In response to reftel questions on application
05-1007930, Embassy officers verified that Lorena Apunte
Osorio is an associate of NOPA Importers, a legitimate,
registered firearms dealer in Quito, Ecuador. NOPA Importers
is owned and operated by three sisters; Lorena Apunte Osorio,
Lucia Del Carmen Apunte Osorio, and Ana Margarita Apunte
Osorio. The youngest of the three, Lorena joined the
operation in 2004 and has no criminal record.

2. (SBU) The eldest sister, Ana Margarita, founded NOPA
Importers in 1999 with the help of a retired military
officer. The company primarily imports rifles from the U.S.
and handguns from Brazil. The firearms are sold to private
security firms and to individuals for sporting events. Ana
Margarita and Lorena confirmed to PolOff that NOPA strictly
complies with USG and GOE restrictions on re-exportation of
firearms.

3. (SBU) NOPA Importers is located on the fifth floor of a
high rise building with 24 hour security. The office is
equipped with an outer metal gate, alarm system, and a video
entrance system. Arms are stored behind a locked metal door,
and in a second secured location on the 15th floor of the
building.

4. (SBU) Ana Margarita Apunte told PolOff M.G. Suber and
Associates is the local representative for Mossberg and
Maverick from which NAPO purchases rifles and other arms
related products. Based on the information provided, we
believe NOPA Importers, for which Lorena Apunte Osorio is an
associate, would be a reliable recipient USML items.
JEWELL

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