Colombian judge suspends herbicide spraying tests on coca fields
Quick Look
A Colombian judge has ordered the suspension of aerial spraying tests of glufosinate-ammonium, a potentially dangerous herbicide, on coca fields in the Amazon, citing a lack of sufficient public information to rule out risks to human health and ecosystems, as President Abelardo de la Espriella advocates the return of drug fumigations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In 2015, Colombia suspended the fumigation of glyphosate, another herbicide considered probably carcinogenic by the WHO. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who came to power in August, advocates the return of aerial spraying against coca to fight drug trafficking.
A Colombian judge on Friday ordered the suspension of tests of spraying coca fields with a potentially dangerous herbicide, glufosinate-ammonium, planned by President Abelardo de la Espriella, according to a decision seen by AFP. The right-wing leader, who took office in early August promising to crush armed groups involved in drug trafficking, advocates the return of aerial spraying against drug crops in this country, the world's leading producer of cocaine.
To this end, the anti-drug police announced on Thursday “experimental” and “temporary” aerial spraying tests in the Colombian Amazon to evaluate the use of this herbicide, without specifying the date of their launch. There is not “sufficient public information to reasonably rule out possible risks to human health and ecosystems” in the Amazon region of Putumayo (southwest), indicates the decision obtained by AFP.
Also read Colombia: the government launches glyphosate drone spraying on coca plantations
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The World Health Organization (WHO) previously assessed that glufosinate ammonium poses a moderate health risk. Police have not provided any information regarding the area or communities likely to be affected by these tests. In 2015, Colombia suspended the fumigation of glyphosate, another herbicide considered by the WHO to be “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
The aerial spraying of herbicides is generating discontent among certain segments of the Colombian population, particularly among peasant, Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities in rural areas where coca fields are located. “There is coca and it must be eradicated, but we are opposed to the massive use of this type of chemicals,” Jonathan Meneses, director of the human rights foundation “Tiempo de Cambios”, which filed the appeal, told AFP.
Since the coming to power of Abelardo de la Espriella, a wealthy ex-lawyer, Colombia has joined the “Shield of the Americas”, the anti-drug alliance promoted by the current American president bringing together several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Ecuador and El Salvador. Colombia reached 261,000 hectares of coca crops in 2024, according to the latest United Nations report. The drugs thus obtained finance powerful illegal groups, which export them mainly to the United States and Europe.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Colombian government will appeal the court decision suspending the spray tests.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- When is the planned start date for experimental aerial spraying trials?
- Which specific communities in Putumayo could be affected by these trials?
- What alternatives to aerial spraying are being considered by the Colombian government?
