Church of Scientology International Recognized as Anti-Drug Leader

The Church of Scientology International has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition by California State Assemblyman for its "leadership and dedication in drug prevention and education, including the production of 16 groundbreaking public service films that are raising awareness of drug abuse internationally."

The Church of Scientology sponsored and created the "They Said/They Lied" series for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a nonprofit organization that promotes and distributes drug education materials internationally and in over 20 languages.

Each of the 16 short-films, graphically illustrates the effects of commonly abused substances such as alcohol and prescription drugs, or illegal drugs such as meth, heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana and ecstasy, the series' edgy style speaks to youth of the harsh reality of drug abuse. The videos can be seen on the Church of Scientology YouTube Channel and the Foundation's website, drugfreeworld.org.

Four of the 16 public service films won an Addy Award earlier this year for excellence in creativity and execution and two Telly Awards—one for outstanding television commercials and productions and another for Best Public Service Campaign.

California leads the nation in drug-related arrests and according to the State of California Health and Human Services Agency, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger channeled $3.7 million into drug prevention and related programs for the state last year.