REPORT CRITICIZES DRUG-CROP SPRAYING

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA -- A Colombian government report has raised fresh doubts
about the U.S. drug-fighting strategy, saying aerial fumigation of crops
may be damaging the environment and failing to curb drug production.

The report, released over the weekend by the comptroller-general's office,
urged President Andres Pastrana to halt the spraying of drug crops until
scientists can study the environmental effects of the herbicide.

The spraying of cocaine and heroin-producing crops is a major component of
Pastrana's Plan Colombia, an anti-drug strategy supported by $1.3 billion
in U.S. aid.

Gonzalo de Francisco, the government's adviser in the effort, said the plan
is on track and criticism based on environmental damage was unfounded.