Indiana congressman hopes fungus can battle drug problems in U.S.

[Guest guest]

NEWS

Indiana congressman hopes fungus can battle drug problems in U.S.

http://www.wndu.com/news/052006/news_50248.php

Congressman Mark Souder is pressing to get the federal government to

test a plant killing fungus, which could destroy the plants that

make cocaine and heroin

Posted: 05/30/2006 04:16 pm

Last Updated: 05/30/2006 05:58 pm

Indiana - A Michiana congressman wonders if fungus can help in the

fight against illegal drugs.

Congressman Mark Souder is pressing to get the federal government to

test a plant killing fungus.

He wants to see if it could be used to destroy the plants that make

cocaine and heroin.

Souder says if tests prove the fungus will kill the plants, it could

be used in the cocoa fields of Colombia, and the poppy fields of

Afghanistan.

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports the nation's drug czar is

skeptical of the plan.

Walters' staff says it's possible the fungus would destroy more

than illegal drug plants.

It could ruin agriculture, and possibly even humans in the area.