Crack Cocaine Trafficking

On reading Doug Jehl’s article concerning the illegal use of U.S.-produced chemicals in Colombia, I believe it necessary to restate several points Exxon Chemical made in our response to Jehl’s questions and clarify several issues.

Exxon Chemical totally supports the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and is cooperating fully with the agency on all aspects of the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988. We share the concerns of the government and all citizens over the illegal use of chemical products.

Through our membership in the Chemical Manufacturers Assn. (CMA), we vigorously supported and worked closely with the DEA on the draft legislation that led to the act.

Exxon Chemical provides to the DEA a complete list of all its export customers and advance notice of each shipment of controlled products. Under no circumstances would we ship to a customer who has not been approved by the DEA.

We have business procedures in place to ensure that our customers have legitimate end uses for the products we sell. In Colombia, our procedures complement the Colombian government’s strict regulations covering the use of controlled products.

Regarding the shipment on the (tanker) Catalina, the customer, Empresa Colombiana de Petroleos (ECOPETROL), is the national Colombian oil company, and is also committed to the prevention of product diversion to illegal end uses. ECOPETROL is a long-standing customer who uses the product to extract paraffin from lubricating oil. ECOPETROL’s MEK requirement has not fluctuated over the past eight years and this shipment is typical in size for this customer.

Exxon Chemical does not “disguise” its role as a responsible manufacturer and exporter.

If, at any time, we believe that our products are being used for illicit purposes, we will stop selling to those customers immediately.

H.E. McBRAYER

President

Exxon Chemical Co.

Darien, Conn.