Duchess hopes to grow coca plants in her poison garden

THE Duchess of Northumberland is liaising with the Colombian Embassy about growing coca plants.

Jane Percy, 65, has a special licence from the Government to grow opium poppies, cannabis and coca plants in the Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle, her family seat.

The garden was opened nearly 10 years ago and employs a drug education teacher who speaks to visitors and tours local schools, giving talks about the dangers of substance abuse.

But the Duchess has revealed she hopes to obtain coca seeds or coca plant seedlings, known for their psychoactive alkaloid components, for the garden.

She said she had repeatedly approached British embassies in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Colombia to source the seeds.

She said: “Although we have a government licence to grow coca, we have been unable thus far to source the plant. For many years we have run a drugs education programme which provides a unique opportunity to think about the plants that drugs come from and the dangers those drugs present.

“Unfortunately we are missing the part of the story which explains the pain and suffering in the countries where coca is grown and cocaine is processed.

“The Poison Garden has always pushed the boundaries of drug education and we are proud to be different and showcase some of the world’s deadliest plants.”

However, she said she remains optimistic about sourcing the seeds.

“I truly believe anything is possible and I will continue to tackle this problem head-on and liaise with the Colombian Embassy,” she said.

The Poison Garden is home to 100 varieties of toxic, intoxicating and narcotic plants including the Gympie Gympie, the world’s most venomous species.