Written Statement of Celerino Castillo, 3rd (Former DEA Special Agent) JULY 2000 For THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE (The CIA Inspector General Report of Investigation) VOLUME II : The Contra Story Released October 8, 1998 And REPORT ON THE CIA's ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT IN CRACK COCAINE TRAFFICKING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION FEBRUARY 2000 Several years ago, as a patriot, I took an oath to protect the Constitution of the United States and itís citizens. I fought for it in Vietnam and as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. And now, I find myself ready to fight for it once more. Sadly enough, it's a battle against the criminals in my own government. It has cost me so much to become a complete human being, that I realize by exposing these powerful criminals, I have placed my life in danger. However, I strongly believe that by placing my life on the line, I will make a difference in preserving my coun try from these criminals. Some of the evidence that you are about to view have never been exposed to the public. These atrocities were committed by my government, from drug trafficking, to obstruction of Justice, to murder with relative ease. The following statement would have been my testimony before the governmentís committees investigating the allegations of US government involvement in drug trafficking. However, for apparent reasons, I was never summoned to testify. My only stipulation was, that if I was to be interviewed, I would be allowed to record the interview. Because of my prior experience with the government, that would had been my only proof of what I did or did not say. You will view some, but not many, quotations that you have read in the past. However, I hope that the viewer will focus on these quotations as part of my foundation of evidence for the criminal cases. You will also view some quotations that haven't been witnessed by many. This is essentially important in building my cases against these criminals. As a twenty year criminal investigator, specifically drug cases, I have found overwhelming evidence that would convict, without reasonable doubt, these criminals in my own government. Furthermore, you will view evidence that has continuously been there, but because of agendas or simply because of people protecting their career, it was never exposed. I will also prove, emphatically and without equivocation, that high US Government officials "Obstructed Justice". These individuals should be held accountable for their actions for deceiving the American people, judges and members of Congress. My first response would have been to Senator John Kerry's "Senate Committee Report on Drugs, Law Enforcement and Foreign Policy". At the time, as a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), I should have had my, "God given right as a citizen and as a government agent to testify before this committee." One of the reasons that the committee gave for not interviewing me, was that the DEA had established, "That no evidence was found that the Contras were involved in drug trafficking." As you begin to view my evidence, you will sense the massive cover up by the DEA and other government agencies because they 1 were terrified of the CIA. Most of the evidence will fall, with confirmation, that IIopango Air Base in El Salvador was the "O'Hare Airport" of drug trafficking. It still boggles my mind why a criminal investigator, for these investigative committees, never bothered to travel to Guatemala or El Salvador to interview US elements of the US Embassies. Some of these agents had gathered the intelligence and evidence that implicated the US Government in drug trafficking. The only reason I could gather would be that the committees came to an understanding with the government about the "drug issue". "In 1995, Deutch, fired two CIA officials from the Office of Operation for Guatemala." NOTE: Chances are that they were hired back as "contract labor". "If this information turns up wrong doing, we will bring these people to justice and make them accountable." John Deutch, DCI - 11-15-96 OVERT ACT : An open, manifest act from which criminality may be implied. An outward act done in pursuance and manifestation of an intent or design. An open act, which must be manifestly proved. Selections from the Senate Committee Report on Drugs, Law Enforcement and Foreign Policy chaired by Senator John. F. Kerry 1988 "We permitted narcotics, we were complicit, as a country, in narcotics trafficking. At the same time, we are spending countless dollars in this country to try to get rid of this problem. As law enforcement officials risk their lives, how can you ask a DEA agent to go out there and risk his life, when there is a whole other policy out there that is willing to overlook narcotics. It's mind boggling." Senator, John Kerry, 1988 2 1. INTRODUCTION SPRING OF 1986,...On the basis of this evidence, it is clear that individuals who provided support for the Contras were involved in drug trafficking, the supply network of the Contras was used by drug trafficking organizations, and elements of the Contras themselves knowingly received financial and material assistance from drug traffickers. NOTE: I will prove that, not only did the CIA turned a "blind eye", but were complicit in drugs and arms trafficking. Not to mention the participation in assassinations by CIA assets. As you view the evidence, you will find dates, times, places, and for the first time names of CIA officials who participated in the approval of these murders. "There is no question in my mind, "one or more agencies" of the US government had information regarding the involvement either while it was occurring, or immediately thereafter. Reports were reaching the highest councils of our government. In the White House and the Justice Department. There is no question about that, I can document that." John Kerry II. THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH RESPONSE TO CONTRA-DRUG CHARGES In the wake of press accounts concerning links between the Contras and drug traffickers beginning DECEMBER, 1985, with a story by the Associated Press, both houses of Congress began to raise questions about the drug-related allegations associated with the Contras. This caused a review in the spring of 1986 of the allegations by the State Department, in conjunction with the Justice Department and relevant US intelligence agencies. Following the review, the State Department told the Congress in April, 1986 that it had at that time "evidence of a limited number of incidents in which known drug traffickers tried to establish connections with Nicaraguan resistance groups." NOTE: John (Jack) McCavett was the CIA Chief of Station in Guatemala and El Salvador during this time period (1980s). 3 Spring of 1986, ...At the time, the FBI had "significant information" regarding the involvement of narcotics traffickers in Contra operations and Neutrality Act violations. NOTE: Costa Rica and El Salvador airbase "Ilopango" were the main targets of these investigations. Footnote: See extensive FBI investigative materials released in discovery in US v Corbo and US v Calero, SD Florida, 1988, documenting information the FBI had collected regarding these matters from 1984 - 1986. See Iran/Contra Deposition of FBI Agent Kevin Currier, Appendix B, Vol. 8 pp. 205-206. FBI 302's of SA Kisyznski, released in US v Corbo, SD Florida 1988. ...the FBI had already assembled substantial information confirming the Neutrality Act violations, including admissions by some of the persons involved indicating that crimes had taken place. In fact, as the FBI had previously learned from informants, that Cuban-American supporters of the Contras had shipped weapons from south Florida to Ilopango....Corbo, one of the principals in the shipment, explicitly told the FBI that he had participated in shipping weapons to the Contras in violation of US Neutrality laws. NOTE: Did Jack McCavett know this? He states in his response to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, that "The Contra effort at Ilopango was closely supervised". 1987 In August 1987, the CIA's Central American Task Force Chief became the first US official to revise that assessment to suggest instead that the links between Contras ...to narcotics trafficking was in fact far broader than that acknowledged by the State Department in 1986. Footnotes: Iran-Contra testimony of Central American Task Force Chief August 5, 1987, 100-11, pp. 182-183. "Drugs moved in and out--"Fiers on Ilopango", interview with Iran Contra investigators, 1991" (1) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING 4 1987, DEA Assistant Administrator David Westrate said of the Nicaraguan war: "It is true that people on both sides of the equation (in the Nicaraguan war) were drug traffickers, and a couple of them were pretty significant". Footnote: Subcommittee testimony of David Westrate, Part 4, July 12, 1988, p. 144. THE CONTRA STORY VOL. II (THE AMERICAN CITIZEN). NOTE: DEA at that time, had assembled substantial information of drug trafficking at Ilopango Air Base during Jack McCavett's watch. However, when DEA asked where (SA Cele Castillo or SA Sandy Gonzlaes) agent's reports were, they testified that there were no reports to implicate the Contras in drug trafficking. Example: Walter Grasheim, US citizen, was running a covert operation at Ilopango since 1984. In May 3,1986 he was forced to land his aircraft in Florida. He had with him two suitcases which contained suspected cocaine. He alleged that he was transporting top secret documents in the suitcases for the CIA. After the incident, he went back to his operation at Ilopango. Jack McCavett was aware of the incident and permitted him to continue his support for the Contras. Jack could have warned everyone at the embassy about the Grasheim allegation. (1) Overt Act "Obstruction of Justice" by both the DEA & CIA V. THE PILOTS ...Gary Wayne Betzner, drug pilot who worked for convicted smuggler George Morales, testified that twice in 1984 that he flew weapons for the Contras from the US to northern Costa Rica and returned to the US with loads of cocaine. ...Betzner testified that his first delivery of arms to the Contras was in 1983, when he flew a DC-3 carrying grenades and mines to Ilopango in El Salvador. His co-pilot on the trip was Ricahrd Healey, who had flown drugs for Morales. Footnote: Subcommittee testimony of Gary Betzner, Part 3, April 7, 1988, pp. 262-265. Address book seized by Customs, Port Charlotte, Florida, N2551, March 16, 1987. 5 DC-4 seized by the DEA on March 16, 1987. DC-4 was registered to drug traffickers. ...US Law enforcement personnel also found an address book aboard the plane, containing among other references, the telephone numbers of some Contra officials and the Virginia telephone number of Robert Owen, Oliver North's courier. NOTE: US Col. Oliver North (DEA file # GFGD-91-9139) was working out of Ilopango during that time period. It is suspected that this DC-4 flew out of Ilopango. Jack McCavett was still in El Salvador. Who was the plane registered to.? Col. North was documented in DEA files going back to the 1980s. Two years before running for US Senate, he was documented, "smuggling weapons to the Philippines with known drug traffickers." (2) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING ...In October 1984, Colombian drug trafficker, George Morales, transported a C-47 from Haiti to Ilopango Air Force Base in El Salvador. Morales donated the aircraft to the Contras at Ilopango. (3) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING NOTE: Ilopango had been utilized by drug traffickers since 1984. Jack McCavett was in Central America or on his way at that time. He should have been briefed prior to his arrival. Where are his reports? Footnote: Ibid., p. 15. ...Adolfo "Popo" Chamorro gave the Subcommittee a list of flights made by that C-47 to ferry arms from Ilopango to Costa Rica and La Penca. Between October 18, 1984 and February 12, 1986, some 156,000 pounds of material were moved from Ilopango to air fields in Costa Rica. NOTE: A clear violation of the Neutrality. Footnote: Chamorro, ibid., pp. 11-12. 6 ...In addition, Cesar told the Subcommittee that he told a CIA officer about Morales and his offer to help the Contras. Senator KERRY: Did you have occasion to say to someone in the CIA that you were getting money from him and you were concerned he was a drug dealer? Did you pass that information on to somebody? Mr. Cesar: "Yes, I passed the information on about the --not the relations--well, it was the relations and the airplanes; yes. And the CIA people at the American military attachÈ's office that were (sic) based at Ilopango also, and any person or any plane landed there, they had to go..." ...Morales continued to work with the Contras until January 1986. He was then indicted for a second time in Florida and was arrested on June 12, 1986. ...In November 1988, the DEA gave Morales a lengthy polygraph examination on his testimony before the Subcommittee and he was considered truthful. Footnote: See correspondence from DEA Mr. Lawn to Senator Kerry, Jan.13, 1989. Evidences About My Investigation At Ilopango (Extracts from my Journals) Note: Every DEA 6 report or cable that I submitted was approved by my Country Attache, Robert J. Stia November 08, 1985, Placed a Contra pilot-DEA Informant (Manundo) on a flight to the US from Guatemala. This pilot had severely hurt his leg in an airplane accident in a clandestine airstrip in Costa Rica. His brother, Charlie Manundo also became a DEA informant. DEA Russell Reina was the case agent. FOOTNOTE: DEA case file TG-85-0014, Frank Carvajal-Florez December 05, 1985, Libyans came to Guatemala in an attempt to assassinate Jack McCavett. Information was provided by the DEA Airport detail. A couple of days later, the Libyans were found murdered. Information about the Libyans was given to CIA Officer, Manny Brand (Cuban-American). He then gave the order to the Guatemalan G-2. A couple of days later, the Libyans were found murdered. This was reported in the local newspaper. NOTE: The information on the Libyans was given to FBI agent Sullivan (Panama AttachÈ). Jack McCavett was stationed in Libya. 7 (1) Overt Act Murder ..."I said, I want you to tell, Abu Abbas, that I'm coming after him, and when I get to him, I AM GOING TO KILL HIM!" Duane "Dewey" Clarridge CIA Official 1957-1987 January 13, 1986, I wrote a DEA 6 report on El Salvador (GFTG-86-9145). January 14, 1986, Met with V.P. George Bush re: Contras at Ilopango. NOTE: Was forewarned of the Contras-Drug connection. January 16, 1986: Report on aircraft Colombian aircraft -- HK-1217W--Contra pilots Carlos Silva and Tulio Pedras. January 28, 1986: Contra supporter Sofie Amuary, gave the names of Raul Samana and Adela Herrera (Brigada 2506). Salomon Nassad (Armenia) NOTE: DEA file TG-86-0003 Feb. 05, 1986, I seized $800,000 in cash, 35 kilos of cocaine, and an airplane at Ilopango airport in El Salvador. Colombian M-19 terrorist. Note: The above case was initiated by Jack McCavett's asset. The operation was conducted by the CIA "goon squad". The squad members were made up of several former Venezuelans Police Officers working as advisors for McCavett. Leader of this group was Victor Rivera who was involved in several murders for the CIA in El Salvador and Guatemala. This is a FACT that is well documented in DEA files. Footnote: DEA-6 Case file TG-86-0001, Giatan-Giatan, Leonel Example: A Salvadoran Military Major was kidnapped in Guatemala by Rivera and his crew. The Major was then tortured and assassinated by Rivera. This was done with the approval of Jack McCavett and CIA agent Manny Brand. I assisted the squad in the capture of the Major in Guatemala City under the pretext that the Major was a fugitive. Who was the plane registered to at Ilopango? (2) Overt Act on Murder 8 April 17, 1986, wrote DEA 6's reports on Costa Rican Contra Pilots at Ilopango. Footnote: El Salvador case file GFTG-86-9999, Air Intelligence March 24, 1986, I wrote a DEA 6 report (GFTG-86-4003) on the Contra operation in El Salvador. It was on Frigorificos de Puntarenas, S.A. US registration on aircraft N-68435 (Cessna 402) white/brown at Ilopango. NOTE: DEA files GFTF-86-9999 (Air Intelligence) and GFTF-86-4003, IE4-C0, Frigorificos de Puntarenas, SA. Who was the plane registered to? March 25, 1986, HK-2281P (Tail Number) Juan Mata-Ballesteros NOTE: Who is the plane registered to? Early part of 1986, I received a cable from DEA SA Sandy Gonzales in Costa Rica. He was requesting for me to investigate Hangers 4 and 5 at Ilopango. He advised that they had received reliable information that the Contras were flying cocaine into the hangers. Both hangers were owned and operated by the CIA and the National Security Council. Operators of hanger 4 were US Lt. Col. Oliver North and former CIA agent Felix Rodriguez. (See attached letter by Bryan Blaney (OIC) dated March 28, 1991) FOOTNOTE: Southern Front Contras 447---In April 1986, a CIA cable to Headquarters reported information from a March 18, 1986 DEA report regarding Carlos Amador. According to the cable, the DEA report noted that Amador had recently flown a Cessna 402 from Costa Rica to San Salvador where he had access to Hanger 4 (Felix Rodriguez) at Ilopango air base. The cable also indicated that a "DEA source stated that Amador was probably picking up cocaine in San Salvador to fly to Grand Cayman and then to Florida." The cable also reported that DEA request the San Salvador police investigate Amador and anyone associated with Hangar 4. It linked Amador with Hangar 14 at Tobias Bolanos International Airport in San Jose. The hangar was owned by Segio and Jorge Zarcovic. These two individuals reportedly under DEA investigation in connection with a shipment of cocaine that was seized in Miami. NOTE: See DEA 6s from Costa Rica and El Salvador. 9 (4) Overt Act on drug trafficking April 1986, The Consul General of the US Embassy in El Salvador (Robert J. Chavez) forewarned me that CIA Officer George Witters was requesting a US visa for a documented Nicaraguan drug trafficker and Contra pilot by the name of Carlos Alberto Amador. (mentioned in 6 DEA files) NOTE: McCavett was questioned by me as to why the CIA was issuing a US visa to a drug trafficker. Answer: "We just need to get the guy to the US." (5) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING April 17, 1986, I wrote a Contra report DEA 6 (GFTG-86-9999 Air Intelligence) on the Contra operation on Arturo Renick and Johnny Ramirez (both Costa Ricans) at Ilopango air field. Tail numbers of aircraft: TI-AQU and BE-60 NOTE: Who do the planes belong to? June 06, 1986, I send a DEA cable to DEA HQS re: Contra pilots, Carlos Alberto Amador and Carlos Armando Llamos (Honorary Ambassador to Panama). Llamos flew from Ilopango to Panama on an air plane tail number N-308P. Llamos delivered 4 1/2 million dollars to Panama for the Contras. Leon Portilla - TI-ANO; Navajo 31 and YS-265-an American pilot: Francisco Vidal (sic). Roberto Gutierrez (N-82161; Mexican (X-AB) (1) OVERT ACT on Money Laundering NOTE: Who do these planes belong to? June 11, 1986, Oscar Alvarado-Lara (Guatemalan Contra Pilot) DEA NADDIS number 1927543, transported 27 illegal Cubans to Ilopango, where they were then smuggled into Guatemala. Lara is documented in several DEA files and is a personal pilot for the CIA in Guatemala and El Salvador. His aircraft is identified as TG-REN. "Again this proves that the CIA participated in activities with documented drug traffickers." NOTE: Who does this plane belong to? 10 (6) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING June 18, 1986, Francisco Rodrigo "Chico" Guirola-Beeche, Contra Pilot and documented cocaine and weapons smuggler, departed Ilopango with a large shipment of cocaine and money to the Bahamas. (7) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING June 21, 1986, On Chico's return flight he arrived with passengers Alejandro De Urbizu and Patricia Bernal. In 1988, De Urbizu was arrested in the US in a cocaine conspiracy case. Note: In 1985, Guirola was arrested with 5 1/2 million dollars cash by US Cutoms. It was suspected that the money came from drug traffickers in Los Angeles for the Contras. He was released because of his support for the CIA. "Once more, Guirola went back to working at Ilopago as a document drug trafficker with the approval of the CIA." (2) OVERT ACT ON MONEY LAUNDERING Aug. 15, 1986, I met with Jack McCavett and CIA Official, Don Richardson in El Salvador re: drug trafficker Fernando Canelas Sanez. Aug. 18, 1986, I received $45,000.00 in cash from CIA Chief of Station, Jack McCavett. This was witnessed by DEA informant Ramiro Guerra and US Lt. Col. Albert Adame. This money was turned over to them with a receipt. NOTE: This information is in my Journals and I have the original receipt of the $45,000.00. Aug. 28, 1986, I had a meeting with El Salvador US Ambassador, Edwin Corr re: Wally Grasheim (mentioned in several DEA and FBI files), Pete's Place and Carlos Amador re: CIA US visa for Amador (documented drug trafficker ). Visa requested by CIA agent George Witter. Sept 28, 1987, Oscar Alvarado transported CIA Official Randy Capister from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala to Guatemala City after a joint DEA, 11 CIA and Guatemala Military (G-2) operations. In this operation several individuals were murdered by G-2 and witnessed by the DEA (Castillo) and CIA Officer Capister. NOTE: Reported in DEA file TG-86-0005. Guatemalan Congressman: Carlos Ramiro Garcia de Paz. Who as of this date, has a US visa. (3) Overt Act On Murder Sept. 01, 1986, Walter Grashiemís residence in El Salvador was raided by a DEA task force. US military munitions were found. This individual is mentioned in The Contra Story Vol. II. He is documented in several DEA, CIA, US Customs and FBI files. Footnote: January 20, 1987, Joel Brinkley, special to the New York Times, "Contra Arms Crew said to Smuggle Drugs". Note: In late 1984, Donald P. Gregg introduced Col. Oliver North to Felix Rodriguez, (a retired CIA agent) who had already been working in Central America for over a year under George Bush's direction. Gregg personally introduced Rodriguez to Bush on Jan. 22, 1985. Two days after his January 1985 meeting, Rodriguez went to El Salvador and made arrangements to set up his base of operations at Ilopango air base. On Nov. 01, 1984, the FBI arrested Rodriguez's partner, Gerard latchinian and convicted him of smuggling $10.3 million in cocaine into the US. October 21, 1986, Sent a telex/cable to Washington DC on the Contras at Ilopango. April 01, 1987, Bob Stia, Walter Morales and myself flew to Ilopango Airbase and met with two CIA Officials who advised us that we could no longer utilize Mario Murga because he was now working with them. Note: Mario Murga was our DEA informant who initiated the flight plans for the Contra pilots at Ilopango. CIA Officer George Witter stole Murga from DEA so that there would be no more reporting on CIA assets. "The CIA has jurisdiction above US federal agencies in foreign countries" ..."McCavett maintained good liaison relationships with the DEA..." John McCavett interview by HPSCI 12 August 30, 1988, Received intelligence from the number three man (Guido Del Prado)at the US embassy in El Salvador re: Carlos Armando Llemus-Herrera (Contra pilot ). NOTE: See DEA 6 on Carlos Armando Llemus-Herrera December 03, 1988, Seized 356 kilos of cocaine in Guatemala DEA report TG-89-0002, Hector Sanchez. NOTE : This case was initiated on Gregorio Valdez, owner and operator of Piper Co. in Guatemala. Personal pilot of Jack McCavett, and CIA Officer Randy Capister. Mr. Valdez and Piper Co. are well documented in DEA files in drug trafficking. For several years, this company was contracted by the CIA and the DEA for support. Thousands of dollars were paid to this company even after they had been documented in DEA files. Several Contra pilots flew out of Piper. "Once more it proves that the CIA & DEA were sleeping with the enemy" (8) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING Documented Drug-Traffickers (Contra Pilots) Flying Out of Ilopango Col. Enriques Bermudez, the former Nicaraguan military attachÈ in Washington, D.C., who had already been placed on the CIA payroll to organize an anti-Sandinista force. Colonel Bermudez would serve as the "Commander in Chief: of the FDN forces at Ilopango. He is well documented in DEA, FBI and CIA files as a suspected drug trafficker. This goes back to 1981. This was never reported to Congress by the CIA. Marcos Aguado, Chief pilot for the Meneses drug organization who operated out of the FDN clandestine military base at Ilopango. Flew El Salvadoran Air Force planes to Colombia to pick up cocaine and delivered them to a US military base (Carswell Air Force base) in Texas. He was also a personal pilot for Eden Pastora. He worked hand in hand with another documented drug trafficker, Duran. Aguado was sent to Ilopango to destroy the Islander aircraft, circa July 1984. In 1986, he was documented by DEA as a drug trafficker after an interview. He still flew out of Ilopago with the approval of CIA. 13 1987: A Congressional report identifies Aguado as an associate of Colombian drug trafficker George Morales. Oliver North aide Rob Owen also identifies Aguado as a Contra pilot operating out of Ilopango. Footnote: Southern Front Contras-277- and 278--In October 1984, the CIA got their first indication that Aguado was involved in drug trafficking. January 1986, CIA cable, Aguado associates were arrested with 600 kilos of cocaine in the US. (9) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING In April 1986, CIA cable: Adolfo Chamorro "plans to denounce Aguado as being involved in drug trafficking activities. Felix Rodriguez , In March 1986, according to a sworn statement of pilot Michael Tolliver, under Felix Rodriguez's instructions, Tolliver flew a DC-6 aircraft to a Contra base in Honduras, picked up 12 tons of marijuana, and flew the dope to Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. Rodriguez paid Tolliver $75,000. Tolliver said that on another return trip to the US he carried cocaine for Rodriguez. In another circuit of flights, Tolliver and his crew flew between Miami and El Salvador's Ilopango airbase. Tolliver said the Rodriguez "instructed me where to go and who to see." While making these flights, he "could go by any route available without any interference from any agency. We didn't need a stamp of approval from Customs or anybody." Rodriguez was placed at Ilopango airbase by the National Security Council and the CIA. Worked under Jack McCavett (U.S. vs George). In a June 26, 1987 closed session of the Kerry's Subcommittee's, Miliam Rodrigurez testified that in a meeting between Felix Rodriguez and himself an agreement was made within themselves to furnish the Contras with drug money. Felix accepted the offer and $10 million in such assistance was subsequently provided the Contras through a system of secret couriers. Note: Jack McCavett should had known about this while at Ilopango. (10) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING 14 Gregg's notes read: Felix knew him at Bay of Pigs, also close to Tom Clines whom Felix used to know---split over Libya." Rodriguez: " North involvement with a group of people connected to terrorists like Libya's Mu'ammar Quadhafi." Luis Posada Carriles, In 1985, Felix Rodriguez helped Posada get to Salvador from a Venezuelan prison and brought him straight to Ilopango to work with him. Posada had participated in blowing up a Cuban airline which took the lives of 78 individuals. Rodriguez gave him the name of Ramon Medina, gave him bogus papers and put him to work for the Contra operation at Ilopango. The job description for this individual was to be head of Logistics. Posada was a "gofor" for the Contra pilots by accommodating safe-houses and paying them with cash from banks in Florida and Panama. Note: Lawrence Victor Harrison (DEA informant) testified that he had been present when two of the partners of Felix Gallardo and Matta Ballesteros, Rafael Caro Quintero and Ernesto Fonseca, met with American pilots working out of Ilopango air base in El Salvador, providing arms to the Contras. The purpose of the meeting was to work out drug deals. (11) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING Where was Jack McCavett, if, "Ilopango was well supervised?î FOOTNOTE: DEA 6 Report out of Los Angeles "Debriefing of Harrison" Carlos Alberto Amador, A Nicaraguan pilot mentioned in six DEA files by 1987. He is alleged to have smuggled narcotics and weapons to Ilopango from Costa Rica for the Contras. He was carrying credentials signed by General Bustillo, Chief of the Air Force at Ilopango. Individuals known to have flown with him are Carlos Viques, Jorge Zarcovick, Nicola Ly Decker, and Maria Elens Ly Decker. Zorcovick was arrest in the US for smuggling large quantities of cocaine. 15 Footnotes: SOUTHERN FRONT CONTRAS- 444-- A July 1985 CIA cable..."Carlos Amador on June 8 that a 150 kilos shipment of cocaine that had been seized near Barra Del Colorad, Costa Rica, ...was destined to the United States. SFC- 445 and 446--CIA cable Aug. 1985...Carlos Amador was to ferry two airplanes from Miami to Colombia, via San Salvador and Belize... and used in a drug smuggling operation... NOTE: CIA Agent George Witter attempted to give him a US visa by orders of Jack McCavett, COS at El Salvador. (12) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING Francisco Rodrigo Guirola-Beeche, DEA NADDIS # 1585334 and 1744448. This individual is documented in FBI, CIA and US Custom files. On February 6, 1985 Guirola departed Orange County, California in a private airplane with 3 Cuban Americans. It made a stop in South Texas where US Customs seized 5 1/2 million dollars in cash. It was alleged that it was drug money but because of his ties with the Salvadoran death squads and the CIA he was released and the airplane given back. NOTE: In May 1984 Guirola accompanied Major Roberto D'Aubuisson, head of the death squads in El Salvador, to a very sensitive meeting with former CIA Deputy Director Vemon Walters in the US. Walters was sent to stop the assassination of the U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, Thomas Pickering. Guirola was documented by me at Ilopango from 1986 to 1989 while Jack McCavitt was in El Salvador. (3)OVERT ACT ON MONEY LAUNDERING (13) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING Walter Lee Grasheim (Wally), This individual is a US citizen who was, as far as I was concerned, a mercenary operating a covert operation out of Ilopango. He arrived at Ilopango in 1984. By his own admission he claimed to be working for the CIA, US Army and other government agencies. On Sept. 01, 1986, his residence in El Salvador was raided by a DEA Task Force. Found were huge amounts of US military munitions that he had no bussiness with, since he was a civilian. Also found was approximately a pound of Marijuana and Marijuana plants growing in the back yard. He had just violated Salvadoran Law for having these munitions. The Salvadoran Constitution prohibits any foreign nationals or 16 national from having war munitions. The question remains, where did he get these munitions from and who approved it? US Custom agent Richard Rivera attempted to trace the munitions but was stopped short of finding out. An arrest warrant was issued for his arrest by Lt. Franco of the Salvadoran National Police. In late 1986, Grasheim threatened US Ambassador Edwin Corr, claiming that, "If he went down, half of the Mil-group would go down with him." (14) OVERT ACT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING On December 13, 1990, FBI SA Michael S. Foster, interviewed Walter L. Grasheim on behalf of the Office Of Independent Counsel on Iran-Contra. Grasheim claims that he arrived in El Salvador in early 1984. Upon his arrival, he met with Art McArney who was now employed by Bell Helicopter. Grasheim claimed to be selling night vision equipment to the Salvadoran Military. He was the Litton Corporationís representative in El Salvador. He claimed to have several retired special operations officers working for him . He further claimed that he was doing very well, not only financially, but in assisting the Salvadoran Military. Grasheim, claims that in 1985, he had had a conversation with US Colonel Aaron Royer, who worked at Defense Security Assistance Agency (DSAA) at the Pentagon. Royer wanted Grasheim to meet Oliver L. North but the meeting never took place. Grasheim claims that Royer had a military items shipping list from North. Royer didn't specifically say but Grasheim believed this was military items destined for the CONTRAS. Royer had requested from Grasheim to provide him with prices and availability of various military items. Grasheim believed this was also related to the CONTRAS. Also in 1985, or early 1986, Col. Steele told Grasheim that the Contras had paid too much for their aircraft, meaning the caribou and the C-123s. Grasheim then identifies Mario del Amigo, known as "Mr. Contra" in Honduras. During that time period Grasheim and Mr. del Amigo would travel back and forth to Honduras and El Salvador. Grasheim introduced del Amigo to Rafael Bustillo, Jim Steele and others, "Who were involved with the Contras." Grasheim claims that del Amigo sold arms to the Contras and overcharged them. Del Amigo complained to Grasheim that Secord was selling arms to the Contras and overcharging them as well. Grasheim claims that Del Amigo used to meet with various people and discuss the supply of the Contras at Grasheim's house before it was 17 raided. Grasheim believes that maybe one of the reasons why the raid took place was because Secord's competition used it for meetings. Grasheim believed Del Amigo was running the Contra re-supply operation in El Salvador. Grasheim was in the US military from 1959 to 1961. Grasheim has never had any other affiliation with the military other than this tour of duty and he has never had any affiliation with the CIA. NOTE: Keep the latter paragraph in mind for a later reference. Grasheim, then gives up a former Marine by the name of Boykin. He was part of the Mil Group in El Salvador. Boykin retired from the Marines and went to work for the Contras. Boykin is on the cover of an old NEWSWEEK magazine concerning the Contras. Grasheim is mentioned in a story in the same magazine. He also claims to have known Felix Rodriguez in El Salvador when Rodriguez flew a C-12 from Panama to Ilopango. Grasheim also claim to have known Luis Rodriguez, a close friend of Felix Rodriguez. Grasheim claims that he had learned that the US Embassy was paying for Felix Rodriguez's car and the fuel for the Contra Re-supply aircraft. He claims that the embassy would send checks to Mexico where the fuel was provided to the re-supply operation. Grashiem acknowledge that his Salvadoran house was raided by DEA agent Celerino Castillo and the local police. Grasheim admitted that he had automatic weapons in the residence. He claims that the raid totally destroyed his business and ruined his reputation. Grasheim states that about a month and a half after the raid, he saw a "state Department guy" in New Orleans. The guy told him, "We were asked to do that (the raid)." After the raid he claims that the US embassy would not help him and that The Litton Corporation took away Grasheim's orders for equipment. Grasheim then claims that he went to the National Police and that he had been advised by the Chief of Police (Regalado) that the raid was ordered by the US embassy. Grasheim claims that in 1986, he was approached by a US Customs officer who told him he was under investigation for impersonating an FBI agent. He also claims that US Customs (Victor in Miami 1990) had seized his personal effects. Grasheim then gives up, Hilda Martinez , Secretary to Col. Steel in El Salvador for "Improper Activity". He claims that she married a US Army officer and moved to California. 18 Another person that Grasheim gives up is Lupita Vega, who was the log secretary with the Mil Group in El Salvador. "A person who would know things". NOTE: Ms Vega is alleged to have had Mr. Grashiem's child. The mother and child now reside in El Paso, Texas. (phone number is available.) Also in 1986, Grasheim claims that the US military asked him to get night vision goggles to the Contras. Grasheim recalls the incident because he had to make up the sets himself. A US military helicopter took the goggles to the Contras in Honduras. Grasheim also claims that he met with Barbara Studley and John Singlaub and they wanted him to sell night vision equipment to the Contras. They were working with Mike Timpani, a retired US Army helicopter pilot. NOTE : Mike Timpani was the copilot and navigator of the suspicious transportation of "Lady Ellen" from the US to Ilopango. It was a 25 year-o ld UH-1B (rebuilt Helicopter) to be used for medevac on Contras operations. See Soldier of Fortune Magazine June of 1987 issue. Grasheim claims that he got an idea to prepare a military raid on an airport in Nicaragua, using Tamarindo as a staging base. Grasheim told General Gorman this and then immediately afterward, Rodriguez came to see Grasheim without warning and asked to talk about the idea. Rodriguez told Grasheim that he was talking to the White House and the NSC but he didn't tell him any specifics. Rodrigues did tell Grasheim that he talked to Vice President George Bush. Finally, Grasheim admits that he knew Alan Fiers and stated he is another one who was involved in the situation in El Salvador and was aware of Contra re-supply activity. NOTE: In his interview, Grasheim admits to a couple violations of the Neutrality Act. NEUTRALITY LAWS: ACTS OF CONGRESS WHICH FORBID THE FITTING OUT AND EQUIPPING OF ARMED VESSELS, THE ENLISTING OF TROOPS, OR THE ENGAGING IN OTHER SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; FOR THE AID OF EITHER OF TWO BELLIGERENT POWERS WITH WHICH THE UNITED STATES IS AT PEACE. 19 VOLUME II: THE CONTRA STORY CIA RECORDS: "A US CITIZEN" This "US citizen" that they are discussing is Walter L. Grasheim. 1035--..."Also, no information has been found to indicate that the U.S. citizen's activities in El Salvador were related to the Contras in any manner,... NOTE: (Count 1) Obstruction of Justice by Hitz. Apparently he did not check with Iran-Contra on the Interview of Grasheim on 12-13-90 or did he? 1036---....The April 25, 1986 cable---as mentioned earlier--also made a reference to the US citizen and the Contras. This cable provided an update regarding, the arrest of American citizens suspected of being mercenaries in Brazil. According to the cable, the detainees had been visited in prison by the US citizen and another person, "both of whom are apparent friends of several of the detained mercenaries. Regarding the US citizen, the cable stated that: ...visiting US consul...who previously served in San Salvador, told [CIA] in San Salvador as a military advisor to Contras operating on the Honduran border with El Salvador... NOTE: What the CIA failed to tell us, was who were the mercenaries? On March 14, 1986, eight American mercenaries were arrested by Brazilian Federal Police off the coast of Rio de Janeiro; their ship, The Nobistor, and its cargo of weapons, ammunition and other military gear was seized. Their mission was the attempted to overthrow of the west African country of Ghana. After contacting the American Consulate in Rio, "State Department Guy" Ken Sackett, told them, "I've got some close friends in immigration." We will take care of everything and make sure you're all on the boat to go home. There were identified as "The RIO 8": Steve Sosa, Julio Raul Rodriguez, John Early, Tim Carmody, Fred Verduin, Sheldon Ainsworth, Steve Hedrick and Bob Foti. Most of these individuals had seen action in various hotspots around the world ---Vietnam, Rhodesia, South Africa, EL SALVADOR ( I wonder who gave them approval ), Lebanon and other places. 20 Twenty-five days in jail and didn't hear a word from Sackett. Sackett finally showed up and told them that, "They would be going home, that it was just a visa problem and won't need lawyers." In July they were sentenced to 4 to 7 years for "Suspicious of contraband and of forming a group to create that suspicion." They were sent to Agua Santa prison where the warden advised them, "The American Consul had # * @ % them." It was obvious that "some government wanted them to vanish". Based on the way they were treated from the "State Guy" and the obstacles their families received from US government, most of the mercs theorized the US government wanted them kept imprisoned and out of the way. If this turned out to be a US government's covert operation, too many perplexing questions might arise if the mercs were on the loose and free to talk. The FBI, US Customs and other law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation into the Ghana coup attempt . What do you think the final out come was? Why did Vol. II, The Contra Story fail to explain the "Rio 8" mercenaries? Because it was one covert operation on top of another. The same mercenaries who, more then likely, conducted covert operation in El Salvador. FOOTNOTE: The San Jose Mercury News and Soldier of Fortune magazine 1987 issue. 1038---A March 26, 1987, cable to Headquarters reported that the US citizen and another individual had been arrested by Dominican Republic authorities upon landing an airplane in that country. The airplane contained various types of military-related equipment. NOTE: Where is the criminal investigations by our federal agencies in this case? 1047---CIA Records: Castillo's contact with CIA officials...although no information has been found to indicate the process by which the vehicle were purchased and given over to the Salvadorans, no information has been found to indicate that the transaction involved Castillo or DEA in any manner... 21 NOTE: Count 2 "Obstruction of Justice" by Hitz. He seems to get into the habit of misleading members of the committee. He implies that there are no records to be found, to explain where the money was spent. To start out with, he should have checked with the Salvadoran National police and inquired about the vehicles that had been purchased. Lt. Franco could had been one of the individuals to have been interviewed about the vehicles. Did he check with DEA reports on the vehicles that were purchased? NO! Did he check with the Mil-group in El Salvador who purchased the vehicles? NO! It's obvious, that the CIA sent out a "Boy Scout" to conduct a criminal investigation. But then again, maybe they didn't want someone who would find out the truth. As I stated before, I have the original receipt of who the money was given to for the purchase of the vehicles. 1054---...The CIA officer says he has no knowledge of drug trafficking at Ilopango... NOTE: Where in the world was this so called CIA Official. Did he not read his own agency's report on drug trafficking during the early 1980's. 1063---...This officer (CIA) emphatically denies that he had any knowledge of Contra trafficking activities at Ilopango or elsewhere... NOTE: This individual is Randy Capister who should be under criminal investigation for the murders of several Colombians and Mexicans. DEA file TG-86-0005, Carlos Ramiro Garcia de Paz. Also his association with drug traffickers is well established: Gregorio Valdez and Oscar "El Negro" Alvarado. 1064---...he has no knowledge of any alleged Contra drug trafficking activities being conducted from Ilopango or elsewhere...or that the US citizen had no apparent links to the Contras... NOTE: Let the record speak for it self. This CIA official should be under investigation for making a false statement. I guess he forgot the information on Mr. del Amigo and Oliver North's Notebook and Grasheimís interview with OIC. 22 On February 28, 1998, I met with Walter L. Grasheim at his attorney's office in McAllen, Texas. Grasheim had advised me that he was in the process of filing a civil lawsuit against the U.S government. He was requesting if I was willing to bestow upon him a deposition regarding my knowledge of him while he was in El Salvador. I advised him that I did not have a problem with telling the truth. To make a very long story short, he admitted in the (depo) that he had manufactured night vision equipment for the Contras. He also admitted that he was on contract by the US Army to train the Salvadorans. Grasheim advised me that his case would never go to trial because he had a video of CIA Officials on search and destroy missions with the Salvadoran Military. Grasheim preceded to show the video and we witnessed several American individuals in military uniforms on patrol with Salvadoran military. One of the Americans was Grasheim. Another American was seen in a class room instructing the Salvadoran Military on operations. You could witness the American cautioning (who ever was shooting the film) to stop filming. FOOTNOTE: For a nice view of a Special Forces trooper, on the ground in El Salvador, see the July 1992 issue of Soldier of Fortune magazine, "Salvador's Unsung Heroes". These US soldiers were asking for credit for a combat tour for 6 month work on covert operation in El Salvador. As a former Vietnam combative veteran, I spent 5 years in and out of Salvador not only fighting the drug traffickers but also the corruption at the US embassy and the host government. The only thing I asked for "was the truth." Please read this article because it's a blue print of what the US government is ready to do in Colombia. Also for a good laugh read SOF magazine Oct. 1983 issue, EDITORIAL by Richard M. Nixon, Perilous Parallel: El Salvador and Vietnam. All you have to do is change the name from El Salvador to Colombia for Congressional approval. Grasheim further admitted that his son and himself had smuggled night vision equipment (batteries) to Europe during the Gulf War. He stated that it had been approved by the U.S. Army. In my opinion, Gresheim was attempting to blackmail the government. In the end, I was also named in his lawsuit as a defendant. In the early part of 2000, a federal court threw out the lawsuit. Witness to the deposition was Grasheim's attorney: Honorable Tom Wilkins of Wilkins & Slusher 800 Neuhaus Tower, PO Box 3609 McAllen, Texas 78502, W. Lee Grasheim, Tony Cordova, Tim Wilkins and myself. 23 "From the very beginning, what the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has not been able to understand, is that there are rules and laws that this country wants followed. If you undermine the basic value of this country, in the name of defending it, what do you have left? For several decades, the CIA has violated the laws of the United States of America and other countries. Laws that we at home, are abide to respect. They need to take seriously that no governmental institution will survive without the support of itís citizens, not the congress, not the president, BUT THE CITIZENS. Admiral Stansfield Turner CIA Director 1977-1981 In conclusion, If I got a little personal on my response, It's because the CIA has no remorse about lying to the American people. All I had ever asked was for a chance to prove my allegations. At first, I thought I had that chance. But the deck was "fixed". So I chose to put my life through "controversy" in an attempt to find a solution in a very peaceful manner. I now carry the burden of my dream to have had the opportunity to finish my career as a drug agent. But now, as an educator, I promise myself that I will desperately attempt to bring "Hope" to the America people. As the only son of a very patriotic Mexican-America family, I was reared that beneath it all, Americans are decent people with the sense of integrity and fair play. When people read my writings on these atrocities, they are not only cheered by individuals involved in the moment but also from individuals within my own government. As an individual who gladly placed his life on the line for his government, there is no greater conflict in me. How do I feel about what my government has done and how does my government feel about me, for telling the truth? These are the questions that my children have asked of me. A fair and partial opportunity is all I had asked for, nothing that you yourself would demand, if you were in my shoes. You see, America is not easy and that is why we have these serious problems. I hope and pray to GOD, that we'll have some conscientious people in solving these problems. These battles remind us that if Congress will not lead a resistance to covert power, it may respond to popular pressure. But before that happens, the press must give the American people a much better picture of the extent to which counter-terrorist campaigns have been misused against covert drug alliances in Central and South America. One of the first targets for an effective drug strategy should be Washington D.C. itself, and specifically its own support for corruption and drug-trafficking within OUR GOVERNMENT ! Celerino "Cele" Castillo, 3rd [EMAIL PROTECTED] 24 25 <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! 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