Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The fumigation of crops used for illegal drug production characterizes relations between Colombia and the United States over the past 25 years. This article is an historical look at U.S. influence and Colombian policies regarding fumigation of marijuana, coca and poppies during this period. Although there have been occasional retreats in the policy of fumigation, overall the amount of land affected has increased significantly, especially in recent years where the practice, consistently supported by the U.S., can be called both tenacious and indiscriminate. Yet the policy of crop eradication has not diminished the amount of land under cultivation in Colombia for these crops. The rationale behind the policy of eradication at the source of supply has failed. In the year 2000, more drugs, of better quality at lower prices were available in the U.S. than ever before. At the same time, the practice has undoubtedly caused substantial damage to Colombia’s ecology and to its most vulnerable citizens — peasants, Indians, poor farmers and others.