A U.S. lawmaker defended the use of a herbicide being used to kill drug crops in Colombia, calling criticism that it causes environmental damage and illness unfounded. It's impossible to eradicate the coca in the very distance reaches of Colombia without using this aerial spraying. Crop dusters protected by U.S.-donated combat helicopters have eradicated thousands of acres of coca, the main ingredient of cocaine, since fumigations began last December. Reports have surfaced that the sprayings are causing ailments like skin rashes and respiratory problems.
Environmentalists say fragile ecosystems are being hurt.
The U.S. State Department has said there are no harmful effects from the herbicide. U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson decided recently to dispatch a medical team to investigate complaints. Critics say the aid package is bent too heavily toward military help and should include more money for social programs. But at a press conference late Saturday, Kolbe said the military backing is essential in order to curb the country's narcotics industry. Most of the cocaine and a growing portion of heroin consumed in the U.S. come from Colombia.