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The government of Abelardo de la Espriella initiates a pilot program for aerial spraying of illicit crops using glufosinato of amonio.

The government of Abelardo de la Espriella has launched a pilot program to evaluate the use of glufosinato of amonio for the aerial spraying of illicit crops. This experimental strategy follows an 11-year suspension of aerial spraying. The National Council of Narcotics issued a resolution to begin the pilot project, which is characterized as limited, temporary, and evaluable. The program aims to provide scientific evidence on the efficacy, risks, and environmental impact of the herbicide. Unlike glyphosate, which penetrates the root of the plant, glufosinato of amonio acts on the external parts of the plant and requires multiple applications. The pilot project will be conducted in a selected department, covering a maximum of 1,000 hectares over a period of seven days. Minister of Justice Iván Cancino stated that the plan respects the rules established by the Constitutional Court regarding the environment and the precautionary principle. However, Javier Flórez noted that glufosinato of amonio does not degrade the coca plant from the root and may be less effective than glyphosate. He also highlighted that the herbicide is ranked as one of the most dangerous for health by the World Health Organization.

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