.
BY JOSE KAI LEKKE SOUSA-SANTOS
REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT OF TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL SYNDICATES IN THE CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRADE AND TRAFFICKING OF UNDERAGE SEX WORKERS IN TIMOR-LESTE
BACKGROUND
In November 2007 the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, HE Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, requested an investigation be conducted into the alleged involvement of transnational criminal syndicates in the illicit trade of crystal methamphetamines and underage sex workers in Timor-Leste.
The aim of the investigation is to ascertain the extent to which transnational criminal syndicates are alleged to be actively engaged in the crystal methamphetamine trade and the trafficking of under-age sex workers in Timor-Leste. The initial parameters of the investigation did not include the trafficking of under-age sex workers however it quickly became apparent that there were crucial links between the crystal methamphetamine trade and the exploitation of sex workers through drug addiction as well as the use of brothels operated by criminal syndicates.
The findings in this report are based on high-level intelligence reports produced by the United Nation Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), official discussions with national and international law enforcement agencies, and confidential interviews with individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the production and distribution of crystal methamphetamines and the trafficking of underage sex workers.
CONTEXT
The use of crystal methamphetamines amongst Timorese youth was initially identified by Timorese youth workers, the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and the United Nations Police (UNPOL) during periods of communal and inter-gang violence from the period of April 2006 to November 2007. Regular reports by the ISF and UNPOL cited abnormal behaviour by youths involved in civil disturbances that appeared to indicate the use of chemical stimulants other than alcohol. This included one incident in August 2006 captured on film which showed youths involved in an attack on the Jardim IDP Camp. The youths were impervious to the use of tear gas by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and displayed clear behavioural traits (high levels of aggression, higher thresholds of pain, Sleeplessness, etc.) associated with the use of crystal methamphetamines.
In 2006 and 2007 samples of crystal methamphetamines were seized from Timorese youths by youth workers. The samples were handed over to ISF for testing by the Youth Liaison officer to the then Prime Minister, He Dr Jose Ramos Horta in December, 2006, and to the Chief of the UNPOL Strategic Intelligence Department (SID) in February, 2007. In October, 2007, two samples were handed over along with confirmed intelligence on the probable location of an active drug house in the area of Pantai Kalapa, Dili. These samples were also given to the Chief of the UNMIT Joint Mission Analysis Center (JMAC).
This supported the analysis that the trade in crystal methamphetamines was, at that time, low-scale and distributed for the select purpose of political and civil violence (similar to the use of the drug anjing gila (‘mad dog’) by the pro-autonomy militias in 1999). The transition from the use of crystal methamphetamines from being a tool for violence to more widespread usage is indicative of an expanding trade in crystal methamphetamines by organised criminal syndicates.
FINDINGS
The preliminary investigation into the emergence of criminal syndicates in Timor-Leste involved in the importation, distribution and production of crystal methamphetamines and the direct link with human trafficking and the underage sex trade in Dili has revealed a series of disturbing trends.
1. Crystal methamphetamines are being trafficked across the land border from West Timor (Indonesia).
2. Sabu sabu is being locally manufactured in Timor-Leste. Half a gram of pure sabu sabu was purchased at a street value of US$100.00 and presented as evidence to President HE Jose Ramos Horta on 14 December 2007.
This batch of sabu sabu was reported as being manufactured, or ‘cooked,’ in Dili
and was characterized by the yellow tinge to the crystals, indicating slight burning and lack of sophistication in the cooking process purer unburnt crystals are clear or sometimes white). The specific location of the manufacturing sites, or ‘cookhouses,’ are still unknown but are believed to be in the vicinity of the bairros of Audian and Fatuhada . The chemicals and ingredients for the manufacturing of the drug are believed to be sourced from several pharmacies in Dili which are able to import illegally unbound ‘ephedrine’ thus facilitating greatly the cooking process.
The investigators were able to confirm that a second batch of sabu sabu arrived in Dili, on the night of the fifteenth of December, 2007 and was being sold to locals at the rate of $150 per half a gram or $20 for one point of a gram (it was ascertained through interviews conducted by the investigators with users, that due to the purity and strength of the imported methamphetamines, one point of a gram was enough to be used by up to three users) however, according to several reliable sources and also taking into account the alleged purity of the drugs and the exact timing given to dealers as to when this particular type sabu sabu more commonly known as ice would be available for distribution, seems to indicate a greater sophistication and control over the manufacturing process, verified during the investigation as not yet being available in Timor Leste.
According to credible sources, this shipment was trafficked from either one of the traditional black market routes, from Atambua or Kupang in West Timor through either Batugade or Oecussi on the ferry the NAKROMA on 15 December 2007.
In both cases, members of the Chinese Timorese and Chinese Indonesian communities were observed acting as the facilitators and it is believed that this particular drug syndicate is controlled by Timorese-Indonesian nationals with clear ties to, and being possibly funded by, ex-MILITIA elements in West-Timor.
TRAFFICKING IN UNDER-AGE SEX WORKERS
During the course of the investigation, it also became apparent that the trafficking of underage females for the purposes of prostitution is being conducted in conjunction with the manufacturing and distribution of sabu sabu.
Underage girls between the ages of 12-15 are being trafficked into Timor-Leste from West Timor and held in a number of ‘safe houses’ in Dili and only brought out on request. It is believed that the girls are taken to a known brothel, ‘xxxxxxxxxx’ . This brothel also happens to be one of the few establishments of this type that employs female Timorese Nationals as well as female Indonesian and Chinese Nationals as sex workers.
The premises are owned by ‘xxxxxxxxxxx’ the alleged head or senior member of the targeted drug importation and distribution ring, as well as a prostitution and human trafficking syndicate, catering for and providing underage girls of Timorese and Indonesian nationalities to the sex trade in Timor-Leste. xxxxxxxx an Indonesian national and the ‘xxxxxxxxxxx’ brothel operates two blocks south of the ANZ, and reportedly caters to Asian Commercial elites as well as NGO and UNMIT staff.
The establishment seems to be one of the main points of distribution for the drug although unconfirmed reports seem to indicate criminal links between this and several other brothels in Dili.
The ‘xxxxxxxx’ is definitely used as the main distribution point in Dili, although the main drugs cache has been reported to be held at Mr xxxx residence in xxxxxx, and under guard and surveillance by elements of ‘xxxxxxxxxx’ Seven Seven cell(7, 7).
It was confirmed during the investigation that Mr xxxx has already established strong and lucrative links the Martial Arts Groups and continues to recruit more elements into his network, of note is Seven Seven cell in xxxxxxxx, lead by local Pure Master, local criminal ‘xxxxxxx’, as well as the PSHT cell in the vicinity of and between the UIR compound and the back entrance to the Heliport in xxxxxxx as well as several others not yet confirmed.
This syndicate has materialized faster than anticipated by analysts, and several networks of dealers are already operating Timor wide, targeting both Nationals and Internationals under Mr xxxxxxx planning and guidance (and according to reliable sources with extensive histories of providing credible information), national customers who forfeit on payments of drugs given on credit or consignment are given the option of allowing their wife’s or daughters to work of the drug debt in the brothel or overseas, as well as facing physical retaliation to themselves or family members, damage to their residencies and belongings and possibly death.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A lack of a pro-active tactical approach involving the right institutions addressing the then emerging pattern of drug usage and distribution, by UNMIT-JMAC, ISF and UNPol and regardless of several internal and external analytical reports having been produced and provided to the afore mentioned sections, the increasing reports of drug usage and the emergence of drug syndicates seemed to be ignored, mainly due to the volatile security situation in the country, both prior to and after the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
This failure by ISF, UNMIT-JMAC and UNPol to recognize the importance and gravity of this new phenomenon, as well as the depth of the negative and destabilizing effect on an already traumatized youth, and the swiftness in which international drug syndicates mobilized into Timor Leste was underestimated by the International Security Forces.
The lack of a serious multi-disciplinary initiative to investigate and address this grave issue, has contributed to an already volatile security situation and set back many initiatives which could have potentially aided in the long term stability of Timor Leste.
This situation requires serious attention and relevant security institutions, should commence extensive surveillance and mapping operations of this and other syndicates.
Currently operating in Timor Leste, prior to Police raids being initiated which might force these syndicates to operate in a more clandestine and careful manner, therefore making them harder to track and target.
.
BY JOSE KAI LEKKE SOUSA-SANTOS
REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT OF TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL SYNDICATES IN THE CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRADE AND TRAFFICKING OF UNDERAGE SEX WORKERS IN TIMOR-LESTE
BACKGROUND
In November 2007 the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, HE Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, requested an investigation be conducted into the alleged involvement of transnational criminal syndicates in the illicit trade of crystal methamphetamines and underage sex workers in Timor-Leste.
The aim of the investigation is to ascertain the extent to which transnational criminal syndicates are alleged to be actively engaged in the crystal methamphetamine trade and the trafficking of under-age sex workers in Timor-Leste. The initial parameters of the investigation did not include the trafficking of under-age sex workers however it quickly became apparent that there were crucial links between the crystal methamphetamine trade and the exploitation of sex workers through drug addiction as well as the use of brothels operated by criminal syndicates.
The findings in this report are based on high-level intelligence reports produced by the United Nation Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), official discussions with national and international law enforcement agencies, and confidential interviews with individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the production and distribution of crystal methamphetamines and the trafficking of underage sex workers.
CONTEXT
The use of crystal methamphetamines amongst Timorese youth was initially identified by Timorese youth workers, the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and the United Nations Police (UNPOL) during periods of communal and inter-gang violence from the period of April 2006 to November 2007. Regular reports by the ISF and UNPOL cited abnormal behaviour by youths involved in civil disturbances that appeared to indicate the use of chemical stimulants other than alcohol. This included one incident in August 2006 captured on film which showed youths involved in an attack on the Jardim IDP Camp. The youths were impervious to the use of tear gas by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and displayed clear behavioural traits (high levels of aggression, higher thresholds of pain, Sleeplessness, etc.) associated with the use of crystal methamphetamines.
In 2006 and 2007 samples of crystal methamphetamines were seized from Timorese youths by youth workers. The samples were handed over to ISF for testing by the Youth Liaison officer to the then Prime Minister, He Dr Jose Ramos Horta in December, 2006, and to the Chief of the UNPOL Strategic Intelligence Department (SID) in February, 2007. In October, 2007, two samples were handed over along with confirmed intelligence on the probable location of an active drug house in the area of Pantai Kalapa, Dili. These samples were also given to the Chief of the UNMIT Joint Mission Analysis Center (JMAC).
This supported the analysis that the trade in crystal methamphetamines was, at that time, low-scale and distributed for the select purpose of political and civil violence (similar to the use of the drug anjing gila (‘mad dog’) by the pro-autonomy militias in 1999). The transition from the use of crystal methamphetamines from being a tool for violence to more widespread usage is indicative of an expanding trade in crystal methamphetamines by organised criminal syndicates.
FINDINGS
The preliminary investigation into the emergence of criminal syndicates in Timor-Leste involved in the importation, distribution and production of crystal methamphetamines and the direct link with human trafficking and the underage sex trade in Dili has revealed a series of disturbing trends.
1. Crystal methamphetamines are being trafficked across the land border from West Timor (Indonesia).
2. Sabu sabu is being locally manufactured in Timor-Leste. Half a gram of pure sabu sabu was purchased at a street value of US$100.00 and presented as evidence to President HE Jose Ramos Horta on 14 December 2007.
This batch of sabu sabu was reported as being manufactured, or ‘cooked,’ in Dili
and was characterized by the yellow tinge to the crystals, indicating slight burning and lack of sophistication in the cooking process purer unburnt crystals are clear or sometimes white). The specific location of the manufacturing sites, or ‘cookhouses,’ are still unknown but are believed to be in the vicinity of the bairros of Audian and Fatuhada . The chemicals and ingredients for the manufacturing of the drug are believed to be sourced from several pharmacies in Dili which are able to import illegally unbound ‘ephedrine’ thus facilitating greatly the cooking process.
The investigators were able to confirm that a second batch of sabu sabu arrived in Dili, on the night of the fifteenth of December, 2007 and was being sold to locals at the rate of $150 per half a gram or $20 for one point of a gram (it was ascertained through interviews conducted by the investigators with users, that due to the purity and strength of the imported methamphetamines, one point of a gram was enough to be used by up to three users) however, according to several reliable sources and also taking into account the alleged purity of the drugs and the exact timing given to dealers as to when this particular type sabu sabu more commonly known as ice would be available for distribution, seems to indicate a greater sophistication and control over the manufacturing process, verified during the investigation as not yet being available in Timor Leste.
According to credible sources, this shipment was trafficked from either one of the traditional black market routes, from Atambua or Kupang in West Timor through either Batugade or Oecussi on the ferry the NAKROMA on 15 December 2007.
In both cases, members of the Chinese Timorese and Chinese Indonesian communities were observed acting as the facilitators and it is believed that this particular drug syndicate is controlled by Timorese-Indonesian nationals with clear ties to, and being possibly funded by, ex-MILITIA elements in West-Timor.
TRAFFICKING IN UNDER-AGE SEX WORKERS
During the course of the investigation, it also became apparent that the trafficking of underage females for the purposes of prostitution is being conducted in conjunction with the manufacturing and distribution of sabu sabu.
Underage girls between the ages of 12-15 are being trafficked into Timor-Leste from West Timor and held in a number of ‘safe houses’ in Dili and only brought out on request. It is believed that the girls are taken to a known brothel, ‘xxxxxxxxxx’ . This brothel also happens to be one of the few establishments of this type that employs female Timorese Nationals as well as female Indonesian and Chinese Nationals as sex workers.
The premises are owned by ‘xxxxxxxxxxx’ the alleged head or senior member of the targeted drug importation and distribution ring, as well as a prostitution and human trafficking syndicate, catering for and providing underage girls of Timorese and Indonesian nationalities to the sex trade in Timor-Leste. xxxxxxxx an Indonesian national and the ‘xxxxxxxxxxx’ brothel operates two blocks south of the ANZ, and reportedly caters to Asian Commercial elites as well as NGO and UNMIT staff.
The establishment seems to be one of the main points of distribution for the drug although unconfirmed reports seem to indicate criminal links between this and several other brothels in Dili.
The ‘xxxxxxxx’ is definitely used as the main distribution point in Dili, although the main drugs cache has been reported to be held at Mr xxxx residence in xxxxxx, and under guard and surveillance by elements of ‘xxxxxxxxxx’ Seven Seven cell(7, 7).
It was confirmed during the investigation that Mr xxxx has already established strong and lucrative links the Martial Arts Groups and continues to recruit more elements into his network, of note is Seven Seven cell in xxxxxxxx, lead by local Pure Master, local criminal ‘xxxxxxx’, as well as the PSHT cell in the vicinity of and between the UIR compound and the back entrance to the Heliport in xxxxxxx as well as several others not yet confirmed.
This syndicate has materialized faster than anticipated by analysts, and several networks of dealers are already operating Timor wide, targeting both Nationals and Internationals under Mr xxxxxxx planning and guidance (and according to reliable sources with extensive histories of providing credible information), national customers who forfeit on payments of drugs given on credit or consignment are given the option of allowing their wife’s or daughters to work of the drug debt in the brothel or overseas, as well as facing physical retaliation to themselves or family members, damage to their residencies and belongings and possibly death.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A lack of a pro-active tactical approach involving the right institutions addressing the then emerging pattern of drug usage and distribution, by UNMIT-JMAC, ISF and UNPol and regardless of several internal and external analytical reports having been produced and provided to the afore mentioned sections, the increasing reports of drug usage and the emergence of drug syndicates seemed to be ignored, mainly due to the volatile security situation in the country, both prior to and after the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
This failure by ISF, UNMIT-JMAC and UNPol to recognize the importance and gravity of this new phenomenon, as well as the depth of the negative and destabilizing effect on an already traumatized youth, and the swiftness in which international drug syndicates mobilized into Timor Leste was underestimated by the International Security Forces.
The lack of a serious multi-disciplinary initiative to investigate and address this grave issue, has contributed to an already volatile security situation and set back many initiatives which could have potentially aided in the long term stability of Timor Leste.
This situation requires serious attention and relevant security institutions, should commence extensive surveillance and mapping operations of this and other syndicates.
Currently operating in Timor Leste, prior to Police raids being initiated which might force these syndicates to operate in a more clandestine and careful manner, therefore making them harder to track and target.
.
2 comentários:
It's shamefulll from Xanana AMP government
What else can we expect from this government???
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