CIA/Drugs: Testimony of Ex-DEA agent Celerino Castillo
ri...@math.missouri.edu
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 its' 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.
I realize that by exposing these powerful criminals I have placed
my life in danger. However, I strongly believe, then and now, that
by placing my life on the line, I will make a difference in preserving
my country from these criminals. Some of the evidence that you are
about to view has never been exposed to the public. These atrocities
were committed by my government, from drug trafficking to obstruction
of Justice to murder, with relative at ease.
The following statement would have been my testimony before the
government committees investigating the allegations of US drug
trafficking. However, for apparent reasons, I was never summoned
to testify. My only conndition 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. I will also
prove, emphatically and without equivocation, that high US Government
officials "Obstructed Justice". These individuals should be held
accountable for for deceiving the American people, judges and members
of Congress.
My first responds 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 a "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 read my evidence, you will
sense the massive cover up by the DEA and other government agencies
because they 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 narcotic
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
their 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
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 element 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 as
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
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 the Congress began to raise questions
about the drug-related allegations associated with the Contras,
causing 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).
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 responds to the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, that "The Contra effort
at Ilopango was Closely Supervised".
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 of the 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
OVERT ACTS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING
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. On 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 had warned everyone at the
embassy about the Grasheim allegation.
Overt "Obstruction of Justice" by both the DEA & CIA
THE PILOTS
Gary Wayne Betzner, drug pilot who worked for convicted smuggler
George Morales, testified that twice in 1984 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.
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 1980s. Two years before running for US Senate, he was
documented "smuggling weapons to the Philippines with known drug
traffickers." HOW ARE WE, AS AMERICAN CITIZENS, TO INTERPRET THIS?
OVERT ACTS OF DRUG & ARMS 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. NOTE: Ilopango had
been utilize by drug trafficker since 1984. Jack McCavett was in
Central America or on his way at that time. He should had been brief
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 Act. Footnote: Chamorro,
ibid., pp. 11-12.
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 attach'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.
My Own Investigations At Ilopango: Evidence From My Journals
Note: Every DEA 6 report or cable that I submitted was approve 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 Cuban-American
CIA Officer, Manny Brand. 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 Attach). Jack
McCavett had been stationed in Libya.
Overt Act of Murder
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: Bush 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 latter 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 Venezuelan
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 register to at Ilopango?
Overt Act on Murder
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 register to?
March 25, 1986, HK-2281P (Tail Number) Juan Mata-Ballesteros
Early part of 1986, I received a cable from DEA SA Sandy Gonzales
in Costa Rica. He was requesting 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 toGrand Caymen and then to Florida." The cable also asked
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.
Overt Acts of Drug Trafficking & Money Laundering
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 question 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."
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 did 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) 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
is proof that the CIA participated with documented drug traffickers."
NOTE: Who does this plane belong to?
June 18, 1986, Francisco Rodrigo "Chico" Guirola-Beeche, Contra
Pilot and documented cocaine and weapons smuggler, departed Ilopango
with large shipment of cocaine and monies to the Bahamas.
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."
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 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,
CIA and Guatemala Military (G-2) operation. In this operation several
individuals were murdered by G-2 and witness by the DEA (Castillo)
and CIA Officer Capister. NOTE: Reported in DEA file TG-86-0005.
Also reported was Guatemalan Congressman: Carlos Ramiro Garcia de
Paz, who as of this date, has a US visa.
Overt Act Of Murder
Sept. 01, 1986, Walter Grashiem residence in El Salvador was raid
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 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
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"
OVERT ACTS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING
Documented Drug-Traffickers (Contra Pilots) Flying Out of Ilopango
Col. Enriques Bermudez, the former Nicaraguan military attach 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 [see
Dark Alliance] 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 US military base (Carswell
Air Force base) in Texas. He was also personal pilot for Eden
Pastora. 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.
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. 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 that 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. He
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. Gregg's notes read: Felix knew him at
Bay of Pigs, also close to Tom Clines whom Felix used to know---split
over Libya."
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 airliner 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, accommodating them with 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. 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 Lydecker. Zarcovick
was arrest in the US for smuggling large quantities of cocaine.
Footnotes: SOUTHERN FRONT CONTRAS- 444-- A July 1985 CIA cable..."Carlos
Amador on June 8 that a 150 kilo 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.
OVERT ACTS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING & MONEY LAUNDERING
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 Vernon 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.
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 governments 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 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 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."
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 Litton Corporation
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 that Grasheim 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 identified 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
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.
Grasheim then gave 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 claimed to have known Felix Rodriguez in El Salvador when
Rodriguez flew a C-12 from Panama to Ilopango. Grasheim also claimed
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 acknowledged 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.
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-old 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 right after, 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.
HSCI 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 he was a military advisor to Contras
operating on the Honduran border with El Salvador... NOTE: The CIA
fails to tell us who the mercenaries were.
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 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. 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 sentence 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 by 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 another covert operation on top of another. 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... NOTE: Count 2 "Obstruction of
Justice" by Hitz. He seem to get into the habit of misleading the
Congress, members of the committee and the American people.
He implies that there are no records to be found, to explain where
the money was spend on. To start out with, he should have checked
with the Salvadoran National police and checked out 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 purchase 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 call 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 charged with
murder in Guatemala for the murders of several Colombians and
Mexicans. DEA file TG-86-0005, Carlos Ramiro Garcia de Paz. Capister's
association with drug traffickers is also 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 arrested for
making a false statement. I guess he forgot the information on Mr.
del Amigo and Oliver North's Notebook and Grasheim interview with
OIC.
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 law suit 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 proceded to show
the video, and we witnessed several American individuals in military
uniforms on patrol with Salvadoran military. One of the American
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 blueprint 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 change is the name from El Salvador to Colombia for
Congress's approval.
In my opinion, Gresheim was attempting to black mail the government.
At the end, I was also named in his law suit as a defendant. In
early part of 2000 a federal court threw out the law suit. 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.
"From the very beginning, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
have not been able to understand that there are rules and laws that
this country wants followed. If you undermine the basic values 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, abide
by and respect. They need to take seriously that no governmental
institution will survive without the support of its citizens - not
the Congress, not the President, but the citizens. Admiral Stansfield
Turner, CIA Director 1977-1981
This reminds 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 turned into 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. I bring this to you as a veteran
of my third and perhaps most dangerous war, the war against the
criminals in my own government.
Sincerely Yours,
Celerino "Cele" Castillo, 3rd