Putumayo Tribunal suspends aerial spraying pilot program

The Administrative Tribunal of Putumayo has issued a ruling to temporarily suspend a pilot program for aerial spraying of illicit crops in the region. The decision, led by magistrate Marino Coral Argoty, halts the use of the herbicide glufosinate ammonium in targeted areas.

The injunction was granted in response to a legal action filed by local communities against the Ministry of Environment and other government agencies. The court order formally binds the National Council on Narcotics, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defense, and the National Police Anti-Narcotics Directorate, all of which must refrain from operational activities authorized under Resolution 0007 of 2026.

This preventive and precautionary measure is set to last for a maximum of four months. During this period, the plaintiffs must file a primary legal action, such as a popular action or administrative litigation, to debate the legality of the administrative act and the technical suitability of the herbicide. If no such lawsuit is filed within the timeframe, the suspension will expire.