Epstein's Disturbing Botanical Interest Emerges from Latest Document Release
The shadowy world of Jeffrey Epstein continues to reveal unsettling details, with newly released documents exposing the convicted paedophile's fascination with a highly toxic plant known for its ability to turn people into compliant "zombies." More than six years after Epstein's death in a Manhattan prison cell, the latest tranche of files from the U.S. Department of Justice provides chilling insight into his interests and activities.
The Devil's Breath: A Plant with Deadly Potential
Angel's Trumpet, scientifically known as Brugmansia, appears innocent with its distinctive pendant-like flowers but carries a sinister reputation as "Devil's Breath." The plant contains scopolamine, a compound with legitimate medical applications but notorious for criminal misuse as a date-rape drug and robbery aid. When ingested, scopolamine can incapacitate victims, eliminate free will, and wipe memories, leaving people in a zombie-like state.
According to Science Direct, poison centers worldwide document frequent cases of severe poisoning from Angel's Trumpet misuse, leading to extreme delirium, hallucinations, and even death. Indigenous tribes in South America and the Andes have traditionally used the plant for ceremonial purposes, but its toxic properties make it dangerously potent when abused.
Email Evidence Points to Epstein's Awareness
The Department of Justice files contain compelling email evidence suggesting Epstein was well aware of the plant's properties. In a March 3, 2014 email to someone named "Ann Rodriguez," Epstein wrote: "ask chris about my trumpet plants at nursery [sic], ?" While no reply appears in the released documents, another email from January 27, 2015, shows Epstein receiving forwarded information about the plant.
This forwarded email chain included a link to a Daily Mail article titled "Scopolamine: Powerful drug growing in the forests of Colombia that eliminates free will." The 2012 article detailed how the drug "turns people into complete zombies and blocks memories from forming" and noted that "even after the drug wears off, victims have no recollection as to what happened."
Broader Investigation Continues
The Angel's Trumpet revelations come as investigations into Epstein's network continue on multiple fronts. His accomplice and former girlfriend, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in the United States for helping Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls. Maxwell recently appeared before a U.S. Congressional hearing on Epstein but refused to answer questions, though she hinted she might testify in exchange for leniency.
Meanwhile, Essex Police detectives are assessing information about private flights linked to Epstein's private jet, nicknamed the "Lolita Express," that traveled to and from Stansted Airport. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for police to re-examine claims that UK airports were involved in alleged trafficking, noting that Epstein's jet made 90 flights to or from UK airports, including 15 after his 2008 conviction.
An Essex Police spokesperson confirmed: "We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files."
The Final Document Release
The chilling emails about Angel's Trumpet were part of what is believed to be the final batch of Epstein documents released by the Department of Justice last month. Epstein was awaiting trial for child sex trafficking charges when he was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York in 2019. His death came years after his initial 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl in Florida, which resulted in imprisonment before his release through a plea deal.
As authorities continue to piece together the full extent of Epstein's activities and network, these latest revelations about his interest in a plant with such dangerous properties add another disturbing layer to an already complex and troubling case.
