Colombia government challenges suspension of aerial crop spraying

The Colombian government is working to overturn a judicial suspension of a pilot program for aerial spraying of illicit crops. The proposed plan involves using glufosinate ammonium to target coca plantations.

Seven government entities, including the ministries of Defense, Justice, Interior, and Health, as well as the National Police and the National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA), have challenged the court ruling. The suspension was issued by a judge in Putumayo following legal challenges from local residents and organizations. The court cited concerns regarding the lack of verified environmental and sanitary requirements, as well as insufficient technical concepts from the National Institute of Health.

Justice Minister Iván Cancino stated before the House Fifth Commission that the pilot program will only proceed if it strictly adheres to Constitutional Court requirements, international standards, and specific regulatory resolutions. Cancino emphasized that the program is intended to scientifically verify the chemical's effectiveness on crops rather than to experiment on humans. The pilot is intended to cover 1,000 hectares over a seven-day period.