Pubdate: Wed, 05 Oct 2005
Source: Evening Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Trinity Mirror Plc
Contact:  http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/eveningchronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3668
Cited: Alnwick Garden Trust http://www.alnwickgarden.com/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

DUCHESS DEFENDS DRUG GARDEN

The Duchess of Northumberland has defended a visitor attraction in
Alnwick Garden after thieves stole six cannabis plants.

The plants were taken from a greenhouse being used to shield them from
the cold in a night-time raid. Propagating equipment was also taken
from the grounds.

Cannabis is just one of an array of narcotic and potentially lethal
species on display in the gated Poison Garden, designed to warn
against the misuse of drugs.

But rather than attempt to circumvent the tight security surrounding
the Poison Garden itself, the intruders headed for a service
greenhouse where plants were being stored under cover.

All the remaining cannabis plants have now been removed and destroyed
as police hunt for the culprit.

Last night the duchess and the Alnwick Garden Trust defended the
inclusion of dangerous plants as part of their display as "an
alternative avenue" for teachers and parents to instigate discussion
and increase awareness of the misuse of drugs.

She said: "The Alnwick Garden Trust is committed to drugs education
and the theft of the cannabis plants from the Poison Garden serves
only to underline the importance of this work.

"The charity will continue to educate thousands of children each year
on the dangers of drugs and poisonous plants.

"The Poison Garden's appeal of danger stimulates debate."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake