Scientology Members in France Cycle Against Drugs

Spurred on by a recent report of a three percent drop in cannabis use among young adults in France, a group of Scientologists in Paris and Marseilles spent their weekend encouraging young people to say no to drugs.

In Paris, a team of 24 volunteers started their bicycle campaign at the famous Bastille. Then it was on to Rue de Rivoli, Châtelet-Les-Halles and the Hôtel de Ville. But popular tourist centers were far from their only target. They cycled through Paris neighborhoods notorious for cannabis dealing and consumption. Along the way, they stopped and talked to young people, and passed out over 3,000 copies of the booklet called The Truth about Drugs.

Marseilles gained international notoriety in the 1960's and 70s as the "French Connection"-the bulk of heroin that hit US streets during that era was smuggled through the city. Members of the Church of Scientology Mission of Marseilles are dedicated to making their city drug free. So the same weekend that Paris Scientologists held their anti-drug bicycle tour, Marseilles Scientologists cycled through the old harbor and shopping streets of Marseilles, getting The Truth about Drugs booklets into the hands of people all along their route.

Scientology churches sponsor the largest non-governmental anti-drug information and prevention campaign on Earth. The Church of Scientology offers its publications (which neither contain nor advocate Scientology beliefs) to like-minded anti-drug coalitions, government institutions, civic groups and schools. Anyone wishing to use these educational materials, including 16 public service films on the devastating effects of the most commonly abused drugs, can order them free of charge from the web site of the Foundation for a Drug Free World.