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Colombia authorizes aerial spraying pilot program against coca crops
The Colombian National Narcotics Council has authorized an experimental pilot program to evaluate the use of aerial spraying for the eradication of illicit coca crops. The program will utilize glufosinate ammonium 200 SL, a herbicide classified by the World Health Organization as Class II (moderately hazardous), as an alternative to glyphosate.
The pilot is designed as a controlled, limited, and temporary phase. It will cover a maximum area of 1,000 hectares and is expected to last no more than seven calendar days. The operation will be carried out by the National Police’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate using manned aircraft, specifically AT-802 models, rather than drones.
While the exact location remains under security reserve, reports indicate the pilot may take place in the Putumayo department. The program is subject to strict restrictions: it cannot be conducted in protected environmental areas, wetlands, or paramos, nor in territories of indigenous or Afro-descendant communities without prior consultation. The results of this scientific and technical evaluation will determine if the program is expanded nationally.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Carlos Gónima Díaz-Granados · Colombia · Colombia Government · Consejo Nacional de Estupeciantes · Consejo Nacional de Estupefacientes · Dirección de Antinarcóticos · Linda Giselle Suárez · Policía Nacional de Colombia · Putumayo · United Nations · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] The pilot is prohibited in territories of indigenous or Afro-descendant communities without prior consultation. diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com · www.boyacadigital.com · 360radio.com.co · +8 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The pilot program will cover a maximum area of 1,000 hectares. abceconomia.co · www.boyacadigital.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · elnuevodiario.com.do · +6 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The spraying must be conducted using manned aircraft rather than drones. diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com · abceconomia.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · +3 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] United Nations monitoring reports indicate that Colombia reached approximately 261,000 hectares of coca cultivation in 2024. diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Consejo Nacional de Estupefacientes authorized an experimental pilot plan for aerial spraying against illicit crops. abceconomia.co · www.boyacadigital.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · elnuevodiario.com.do · +9 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] The pilot program is prohibited in protected areas, paramos, wetlands, and ecosystems under environmental protection. diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com · laopinion.co · www.boyacadigital.com · +8 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The herbicide glufosinate ammonium is classified by the World Health Organization as Class II (moderately hazardous). abceconomia.co · www.boyacadigital.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · www.eje21.com.co
- [● 10 SOURCES] The field duration of the pilot program is limited to a maximum of seven calendar days. abceconomia.co · www.boyacadigital.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · elnuevodiario.com.do · +5 more