DRUGS SHOP LINK TO CHARLES' CHARITY

A city shop which sells seeds and growing equipment for producing cannabis
plants was originally funded by Prince Charles's charity, the Evening News
can reveal.

The Grow Systems store, in St Augustine's Street, Norwich, was set up after
being granted a loan by the Prince's Trust of up to UKP 5,000.

The Prince's Trust agreed to a business plan aimed at selling hydroponics
systems to the public, which involves the use of strong lights and running
water to grow salads, vegetables and fruit.

But an undercover Evening News reporter visited the store and was told how
to use the equipment to grow the class B drug cannabis. He was also offered
skunk (strong herbal cannabis) seeds at UKP 29 for a packet of 10 and given
instructions in how to grow 10 one-metre high plants within a month.

The shop is not breaking any laws as it is not illegal to sell cannabis
seeds, nor to sell the equipment for growing the plants. But it is illegal
under the Misuse of Drugs Act to cultivate cannabis in your own home.

Sheila Edwards, spokeswoman for the Prince's Trust, said:

"The Prince's Trust grants loans to disadvantaged young people wanting to
work for themselves, where there is a credible business plan, properly
researched, and where the young people are unable to source funds from
elsewhere.

"The Prince's Trust granted a loan to a partnership, Grow Systems, to
enable two such people to establish a business selling hydroponics systems
to the public. The systems were to be marketed as being ideal for growing
salad, vegetables and fruit.

"After careful consideration it was felt by the Prince's Trust business
assessment panel in Norfolk that the plan prepared by the partners was
based upon sales marketed appropriately, and was therefore credible and
worthy of our support.

"Obviously, The Prince's Trust does not support the use of illegal
substances in any circumstances, and therefore, does not provide start up
funding to businesses that promote such activity."

Staff from Grow Systems handed out leaflets in Norwich over the Jubilee
weekend offering a free gift to anyone who bought a starter kit.