Colombia Plans to Start Aerial Spraying of Coca Crops Despite Health Worries
Colombia is set to begin a seven-day pilot program spraying 1,000 hectares of coca crops in Putumayo with ammonium glufosinate, despite health expert warnings about the chemical's toxicity. President Abelardo De la Espriella has pushed for the resumption of aerial fumigation to disrupt illegal economies. The program has drawn criticism from academics and health experts.
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- ✓ Colombia plans to spray 1,000 hectares of coca crops in Putumayo with ammonium glufosinate.
- ✓ The pilot program will last seven days.
- ✓ Health experts have warned about the toxicity of ammonium glufosinate.
- ✓ President Abelardo De la Espriella has supported the resumption of aerial fumigation.
What changed
Colombia announced plans to start the aerial spraying pilot program, moving forward with a project that has been met with significant criticism and opposition.
Live updates
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Colombia to start aerial coca crop spraying pilot
Colombia is set to begin a seven-day pilot program spraying 1,000 hectares of coca crops in Putumayo with ammonium glufosinate, despite health expert warnings about the chemical's toxicity. President Abelardo De la Espriella has pushed for the resumption of aerial fumigation to disrupt illegal economies. The program has drawn criticism from academics and health experts.
Why it matters
The pilot program is part of Colombia's efforts to combat illicit coca cultivation and the cocaine trade. Aerial fumigation was previously suspended due to concerns over the health and environmental impacts of the chemical glufosinate. The resumption of aerial spraying has been a contentious issue in Colombia.
What is confirmed
- Colombia plans to spray 1,000 hectares of coca crops in Putumayo with ammonium glufosinate.
- The pilot program will last seven days.
- Health experts have warned about the toxicity of ammonium glufosinate.
- President Abelardo De la Espriella has supported the resumption of aerial fumigation.
- 33 specialists have called for maintaining the suspension of aerial spraying with glufosinato.
Still unconfirmed
- The UNODC has reported an increase in coca cultivation in Putumayo.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the seven-day pilot program
- Reactions from health experts and academics
- Potential changes to Colombia's coca eradication policies
confidence 75%Sources used for this update (4)
- colombiaone.com — Colombia News and World Updates - ColombiaOne.com
- www.infobae.com — Más de 30 académicos pidieron mantener suspendida la ...
- www.pares.com.co — Putumayo bajo la sombra de la coca: informe de la UNODC ...
- gearoidloingsigh.substack.com — The Mirage of “Resolving” the Coca Issue.
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Colombia plans aerial spraying of coca crops amid health concerns
Colombia is set to begin a seven-day pilot program using ammonium glufosinate to spray coca crops from the air, despite warnings from health experts about the chemical's toxicity. The program, slated for Putumayo, targets 1,000 hectares of coca crops. President Abelardo De la Espriella has pushed for the resumption of aerial fumigation, citing the need to disrupt illegal economies beyond just seizing drug shipments.
Why it matters
The effort aims to curb Colombia's significant cocaine production. A recent seizure of 7.6 tons of cocaine at the port of Cartagena, bound for the Netherlands, underscored the challenge. The use of glufosinate has raised concerns among health experts and academics, who point to potential risks to human health and the environment.
What is confirmed
- Over 30 researchers and professors have expressed concerns that there is no certainty about the risks to human health and the environment from using glufosinato de amonio.
- President Abelardo De la Espriella announced the seizure of 7.6 tons of cocaine at the port of Cartagena.
- A seven-day pilot program in Putumayo aims to use ammonium glufosinate over 1,000 hectares.
Still unconfirmed
- The Colombian government plans to reactivate aerial fumigation to destroy illegal crops.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the judicial review of the trial with glufosinato de amonio
- The Colombian government's decision on large-scale implementation
- Health and environmental impact assessments
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (3)
- caracol.com.co — Académicos piden mantener suspendida la aspersión aérea con ...
- subaalternativa.co — De La Espriella propone fumigar cultivos ilícitos tras ...
- canamo.net — Colombia frena ensayo con herbicida sobre cultivos de coca
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President De la Espriella Pushes Aerial Spraying After Major Cocaine Seizure
President Abelardo De la Espriella is urging the reactivation of aerial fumigation to destroy illegal crops, arguing that seizing drug shipments alone cannot dismantle illegal economies. This push follows the seizure of 7.6 tons of cocaine at the port of Cartagena, the largest such operation at that terminal in ten years. The drug was bound for the Netherlands. This directive reinforces a planned seven-day pilot program in Putumayo using ammonium glufosinate over 1,000 hectares, despite ongoing warnings from health experts regarding the chemical's toxicity.
Why it matters
The Colombian government is shifting from simple seizure strategies toward active crop eradication. This transition occurs as rural producers face systemic exclusion from credit and infrastructure, making coca a more viable livelihood than legal alternatives. International bodies continue to evaluate the legal status of the coca leaf amid these enforcement efforts.
What is confirmed
- President Abelardo De la Espriella insists that combating narcotics requires acting directly on illegal crops.
- Authorities seized 7.6 tons of cocaine at the port of Cartagena destined for the Netherlands.
- The Cartagena seizure is the largest at that maritime terminal in the last ten years.
- The government's anti-drug policy includes advancing fumigation processes.
What to watch next
- The start date of the seven-day pilot program in Putumayo
- The outcome of the World Health Organization's evaluation of the coca leaf
- Formal responses from rural communities regarding the demand for dialogue
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.infobae.com — De la Espriella plantea reactivar fumigación de cultivos ...
- estrelladigital.com.co — De La Espriella urge fumigación tras gran incautación de ...
- www.eluniversal.com.co — “Debemos empezar a fumigar”: De la Espriella insiste en ...
- www.hhrjournal.org — Prohibited Crops, Coping Economies, and the 2029 Review
- portada.com.co — De la Espriella plantea fumigación de cultivos ilícitos tras ...
- www.lanacion.com.co — De La Espriella insiste en la fumigación de cultivos ilícitos
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Colombia Advances Ammonium Glufosinate Coca Eradication Pilot
The Colombian executive branch under President Abelardo De la Espriella is preparing a seven-day pilot program to spray ammonium glufosinate over a maximum of 1,000 hectares of illegal coca crops in the department of Putumayo. This initiative replaces glyphosate with ammonium glufosinate for aerial eradication despite warnings from experts and international organizations regarding its toxicity, environmental impact, and potential harm to the human nervous system. Local rural communities demand dialogue before fumigation begins, while the World Health Organization evaluates the international legal classification of the coca leaf.
Why it matters
The resurgence of chemical fumigation revives deep anxieties among peasants in Putumayo over past health dangers and environmental damage. Experts question the effectiveness of ammonium glufosinate, noting that it burns leaves but allows crops to regrow. And the chemical faces scrutiny because it is banned in the European Union and lacks comprehensive environmental and sanitary evaluations.
What is confirmed
- The Colombian executive branch is structuring a seven-day pilot program to test ammonium glufosinate aerial spraying on up to 1,000 hectares of coca crops in Putumayo.
- Ammonium glufosinate is classified by various studies and international organizations as more dangerous to human health than glyphosate.
Still unconfirmed
- Experts warn that the chosen chemical burns the leaf but allows the crop to regrow, damages the nervous system, and is prohibited in the European Union.
- The fumigation against illicit crops is proceeding without prior environmental or sanitary evaluation.
What to watch next
- The official launch and execution of the seven-day pilot program in Putumayo.
- The World Health Organization announcement regarding the international legal classification of the coca leaf.
- The response from local rural communities and peasants in Putumayo to the impending fumigation.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- co.ibtimes.com — Glufosinate: the glyphosate alternative raising concerns in ...
- periodicovirtual.com — Colombia Apuesta por un Herbicida más Tóxico que el Glifosato ...
- informativodelsur.com — Gobierno de La Espriella apuesta por un herbicida más tóxico ...
- econews.global — Colombia propone fumigar coca sin estudios de impacto
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Colombia Push to Spray Coca Crops Faces Resistance
The government under President Abelardo De la Espriella aims to restart eradication efforts by spraying illegal crops of coca, poppy, and marijuana using ammonium glufosinate via ground, aerial, or drone methods. This policy has triggered fierce opposition from local rural communities and peasants in Putumayo who demand dialogue before fumigation begins, reviving deep anxieties over past chemical usage and health dangers. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization is slated to announce whether it recommends altering the international legal classification of the coca leaf, a move actively championed by Bolivia and Colombia.
Why it matters
The administration is reviving a traditional eradication practice to combat illicit cultivation while appealing a prior court injunction that halted the program. This friction unfolds alongside a broader international push by Andean nations to decriminalize the traditional consumption of the coca leaf. Critics and advocacy organizations argue that these chemical eradication methods endanger indigenous lands, local populations, and natural resources.
What is confirmed
- President Abelardo De la Espriella wants to resume fumigation against illegal crops using ammonium glufosinate.
- Colombia plans to apply ground, aerial, or drone fumigation in areas producing coca leaf, poppy, or marijuana.
- Campesinos in Putumayo are demanding to be heard before the government fumigates coca crops.
- The World Health Organization is set to announce in October whether it recommends changing the legal status of the coca leaf.
- Bolivia and Colombia are leading an offensive for the decriminalization of the coca leaf.
Still unconfirmed
- Communities in Putumayo fear the new pilot plan will replicate the negative consequences they attribute to past glyphosate spraying.
- Christian Aid claims that aerial spraying of coca crops in northwest Colombia puts the future of indigenous children at risk.
What to watch next
- The World Health Organization October announcement on the legal status of the coca leaf
- Further legal developments regarding the government appeal of the court order halting aerial spraying
- Direct negotiations or responses between campesinos in Putumayo and the government before fumigation starts
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- caracol.com.co — Campesinos en Putumayo piden ser escuchados antes de fumigar ...
- es.mongabay.com — Fumigaciones en Colombia: los peligros ambientales y para la ...
- blogs.elespectador.com — Fumigaciones en Colombia: los peligros ambientales y para la ...
- www.larepublica.co — Coca: Últimas noticias económicas de Coca - La República
- colombiaone.com — Colombia Records Latin America’s Highest Number of Drone Attacks
- revoluciontrespuntocero-slp.com — La hoja de coca ante un posible cambio histórico: Bolivia y ...
- www.christiantoday.com.au — Spraying of indigenous people's land in Colombia causing ...
- www.elespectador.com — Aspersión aérea en Putumayo: el plan del Gobierno que ...
- idpc.net — From flawed review to real change: Indigenous and peasants ...
- en.wikipedia.org — Coca - Wikipedia
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Colombia to Start Aerial Coca Crop Spraying Amid Health Concerns
Colombia plans to start aerial spraying of coca crops in Putumayo, targeting 1,000 hectares across nine municipalities, despite concerns over health and environmental risks. The government, appealing a court order that halted the program, describes the pilot as controlled and temporary. Justice Minister Iván Cancino stated that international law will be followed to protect populations and natural resources.
Why it matters
The aerial spraying program aims to eradicate illicit coca crops in Colombia. The country's coca crop eradication efforts have been contentious, with concerns over the use of herbicides like glufosinate ammonium. The World Health Organization has classified glufosinate ammonium as 'moderately dangerous'.
What is confirmed
- 86.7% of coca in Putumayo cannot be fumigated, according to internal documents.
- The government will target 1,000 hectares across nine municipalities in Putumayo.
- Justice Minister Iván Cancino stated that the government will follow international law and jurisprudence to protect populations and natural resources.
- 22,000 families in Putumayo depend on income from coca cultivation, according to Governor Jhon Molina.
Still unconfirmed
- The herbicide glufosinate ammonium, planned for use in aerial spraying, lacks field tests to establish its efficacy against coca leaves.
What to watch next
- The Colombian Institute of Health's evaluation of risks for the health before authorizing the eradication of illicit crops through aerial spraying
- The outcome of the government's appeal against the court order that halted the program
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- badgerherald.com — Football: Badgers fall at Lambeau despite promising start
- www.infobae.com — Expertos advierten riesgos ambientales y sanitarios ante un ...
- www.noticiasrcn.com — INS no ha emitido concepto favorable para plan piloto de ...
- caracol.com.co — Campesinos de Putumayo tienen voluntad de erradicar ...
- pacocol.org — Fuerte rechazo en Colombia a plan del Gobierno para retomar ...
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Colombia Defends Aerial Coca Spraying Pilot Amid Legal Battles
Justice Minister Iván Cancino has ratified the return of aerial spraying to eradicate illicit crops, specifically targeting 1,000 hectares across nine municipalities in Putumayo. While the government is appealing a court order that halted the program, internal documents reveal that 86.7% of coca in Putumayo cannot be fumigated. The administration describes the pilot as a controlled, temporary, and evaluable activity. Cancino stated the government will follow international law and jurisprudence to protect populations and natural resources during the process.
Why it matters
The program marks a shift toward rightist drug policies under the De la Espriella administration. It follows previous warnings from the United Nations regarding public health and human rights risks associated with aerial herbicides.
What is confirmed
- Justice Minister Iván Cancino confirmed the government will resume aerial spraying to eradicate illicit crops.
- The government is appealing a court ruling that suspended the spraying program in Putumayo.
- The proposed pilot program targets a maximum of 1,000 hectares.
- Government documentation indicates 86.7% of coca in Putumayo is ineligible for fumigation.
Still unconfirmed
- The government will use glyphosate for the fumigation plan.
- The government will use glufosinato for the fumigation plan.
What to watch next
- The court's ruling on the Justice Ministry's appeal against the suspension.
- ANLA's decision on the approval of the experimental pilot.
- Clarification on whether glyphosate or glufosinato will be the primary herbicide used.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- cambiocolombia.com — Aspersión en Putumayo: el 86,7 % de la coca no se puede ...
- caracol.com.co — Policía Antinarcóticos pidió a la ANLA aprobar piloto de ...
- www.infobae.com — Gobierno impone duras condiciones al plan piloto de aspersión ...
- www.eluniversal.com.co — Gobierno De la Espriella ratifica plan de fumigación de ...
- www.elheraldo.co — Minjusticia defiende aspersión aérea con glifosato ...
- diariolalibertad.com — “Vamos a fumigar”: Gobierno anuncia regreso de la aspersión ...
- colombiaone.com — Colombia Launches Aerial Glyphosate Pilot to Eradicate ...
- www.pulzo.com — Aspersión aérea con glufosinato en Colombia: debate legal y ...
- www.eltiempo.com — Primicia: estos son los 9 municipios donde el Gobierno De La ...
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Colombia Appeals Court Suspension of Aerial Coca Spraying
Colombia has launched a pilot project to eradicate coca crops through aerial spraying using a new herbicide in the Putumayo region. A local court quickly suspended the plan, prompting the Justice Ministry to file an appeal arguing the court overused the precaution principle without proving a certain threat. This trial program stems from recent discussions between Colombia's new rightist president and United Nations warnings regarding human rights and public health. Meanwhile, political tensions have escalated over judicial opposition to the resumption of aerial fumigation tactics.
Why it matters
The aerial fumigation pilot program marks a return to controversial drug eradication methods in Colombia. The initiative follows talks between the country's new leadership and the United States, raising friction over judicial blocks and public health impacts. Independent United Nations experts caution that security policies must prioritize human rights.
What is confirmed
- Colombia launched a test of aerial coca spraying in Putumayo using a new herbicide.
- A local court suspended the aerial spraying plan within a day of its announcement.
- The Justice Ministry appealed the Mocoa judge's ruling that halted the program.
- The trial initiative originated from recent talks between Colombia's new rightist president and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Still unconfirmed
- The government warned that the precaution principle was applied excessively because no certain and imminent threat was demonstrated.
- Víctor Rodríguez of the United Nations Independent Expert Mechanism stated that drug policies must rely on human rights and public health.
- Gustavo Petro and the Pacto Histórico movement denounced warnings from President Abelardo De La Espriella targeting judges who oppose aerial fumigation.
What to watch next
- A judicial decision on the Justice Ministry appeal to resume aerial spraying under new conditions
- Further developments regarding the government request for US judicial investigations into judges and magistrates
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.yahoo.com — Colombia to resume aerial spraying of cocaine crops
- cocateausa.com — Aerial Coca Spraying Returns to Colombia, Then Stalls
- www.elheraldo.co — Minjusticia impugna decisión que suspendió la aspersión aérea ...
- co.ibtimes.com — Justice Ministry challenges ruling that halted glufosinate ...
- www.infobae.com — La ONU advirtió sobre el impacto de la fumigación aérea de ...
- www.tercerainformacion.es — Petro denuncia amenazas de De la Espriella contra oposición ...
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Colombia Initiates Trial Aerial Spraying of Coca Crops
The Colombian government has launched a pilot project to eradicate coca crops through aerial spraying. This trial program returns the country to aerial fumigation tactics despite ongoing concerns regarding health impacts. While the government intends to scale these operations, a judge has already intervened to stop the spraying plan specifically within the Putumayo region. The current status of the program is a conflict between national eradication goals and local judicial restrictions.
Why it matters
Aerial fumigation is a contentious tool in Colombia's long-term effort to disrupt cocaine production. The return to this method suggests a shift in strategy to combat coca cultivation. Legal challenges often arise due to the environmental and health risks associated with the chemicals used.
What is confirmed
- Colombia has started a pilot project for the aerial spraying of coca crops.
- The Colombian government is bringing back aerial fumigation for coca eradication.
Still unconfirmed
- A judge has halted the government aerial spraying plan in Putumayo.
- Health worries persist regarding the resumption of aerial spraying.
What to watch next
- Rulings on whether the Putumayo injunction applies to other regions
- Official results from the pilot spraying project
- Further judicial challenges to the fumigation program
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- The New York Times — Colombia Plans to Start Aerial Spraying of Coca Crops Despite Health Worries
- adamisacson.com — They’re Bringing Back Aerial Fumigation in Colombia
- teleSUR English — Colombian Judge Halts Government Aerial Spraying Plan In Putumayo
- ua.news — Colombia launches pilot project for aerial spraying of coca crops
- Latin America Reports — Colombia announces trial coca eradication program using aerial spraying
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