The recent release of Jeffrey Epstein's emails suggested he had an interest in potentially toxic plants that eliminated free will.

In an email dated March 3, 2014, sent to an individual identified as Ann Rodriguez, Epstein wrote, 'ask chris about my trumpet plants at nursery [SIC]?,' a line that may indicate he had Angel's Trumpet plants.

Also known as 'Devil's Breath,' the flowering shrub contains scopolamine, a potent psychoactive compound that can cause serious effects on the nervous system. 

Scopolamine interferes with the brain's memory system by blocking key receptors in the central nervous system. In high doses, it can leave a person highly suggestible and almost catatonic.

In a separate email dated January 27, 2015, apparently forwarded by a photographer, a message addressed to Epstein carried the subject line: 'Scopolamine: Powerful drug growing in the forests of Colombia that ELIMINATES free will | Daily Mail Online.'

The article, which included reporting by VICE, featured interviews with alleged drug dealers describing the substance's effects. One interviewee claimed the drug could render victims compliant, saying: 'You can guide them wherever you want. It's like they're a child.'

A third email, sent in 2022 and labeled a 'victim impact statement,' includes Joseph Manzaro describing an alleged December 2014 incident in which he said he was drugged with scopolamine.

The emails were released by the Department of Justice on January 30 as part of a tranche of roughly 3.5 million documents. 

References to trumpet plants suggested Epstein had at least some interest in their effects. 

Perhaps most concerning for victims and investigators is that scopolamine can evade standard toxicology screens, making it difficult to detect after the fact.

Angel's Trumpet is a flowering plant with large, trumpet-shaped blooms and a sweet fragrance, but it has also been misused for its psychoactive properties. 

The flowers and leaves can be smoked, ingested or brewed into tea, with effects typically beginning 30 to 60 minutes after exposure.

Scopolamine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as Brugmansia and Datura. 

In clinical settings, it is used in controlled doses to treat motion sickness and other conditions by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the brain and nervous system. 

Outside medical use, media reports have linked the drug to cases of extreme disorientation, memory loss and heightened suggestibility. 

There is no evidence that Epstein ever used the drug, and it remains unclear whether it played any role in his activities.

A Daily Mail article referenced in the emails included reporting from Colombia, where Brugmansia plants are common. 

VICE journalist Ryan Duffy traveled to the country to investigate the underground trade, interviewing alleged dealers and individuals who said they had been drugged. 

One dealer, who identified himself as Demencia Black, described the substance as easy to administer and claimed it turned people into complete zombies.

The third Epstein file, featuring the 'victim impact statement,' recounted Manzaro's incident from December 2014 in which he alleges he was drugged with scopolamine, a tropane alkaloid produced by various plants, including trumpet plants.

The statement references scopolamine, with the writer alleging that one of the individuals driving him said: 'I gave him a LOT of that scopolamine!' 

He goes on to describe experiencing memory loss and extreme drowsiness. 

Hundreds of prominent figures were named in the documents, with Pam Bondi saying no one was withheld from public release to spare them 'embarrassment.' 

One of the most frequently mentioned high-profile figures in the documents is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose name appears thousands of times.

Andrew was taken into custody on Thursday after being held on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He can be held without charge for 24 hours.