Study of the Concentration of the Herbicide (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-acetic Acid in Coca Leaves and Paste Obtained From Plants Treated With This Herbicide

• NCJ Number: 119800
• Journal: Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (April-June 1984) Pages: 65-77
• Author(s): M A Elsohly; E S Arafat; A B Jones; P G Vincent; B F Engelke; J L Hilton; W A Gentner
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Austria
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Special issue on cocaine

Annotation

This article describes the effects of treating coca leaves with the herbicide (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) - acetic acid (2,4-D).

Abstract

The most cost effective way to eradicate illicit coca plants is to spray them with 2,4-D. Because natives who harvest coca leaves chew them and because the leaves are made into a paste that is widely abused, a study was undertaken to determine if the 2,4-D remained in the coca leaves treated with the herbicide and was found in coca paste made from the leaves. The coca plants used in the test were grown in a greenhouse and the testing was conducted in Beltsville, Maryland. Coca paste made from the leaves of plants that were basally treated with the herbicide did not contain 2,4-D. Trace amounts of 2,4-D were found in paste made from coca leaves that had been sprayed by a foliage application method. (Author abstract modified)