Bogota (CNN) Colombia wants to resume aerial spraying of a toxic chemical in remote rural areas to stop the growth of coca, the chief ingredient of cocaine -- despite stark health concerns. 'A toxic fog'Aerial fumigation allowed authorities to target illegal coca crops in hard-to-reach and often dangerous corners of Colombia. Jose David Hernandez, a farmer in rural Antioquia, who grew coca until 2018, remembers the aerial fumigations in 2003 and 2004. In 2008, Ecuador brought a case to the International Court of Justice alleging Colombia's aerial spraying near their joint border was harming its own natural environment. In a statement to CNN, the Department of State said the US supported all eradication tools, including aerial fumigations.

Source: CNN August 28, 2020 16:07 UTC