With the National Drug Threat Assessment 2005 Summary Report warning that Los Angeles is a national-level cocaine distribution center supplying every region of the country, the Los Angeles Drug-Free Marshals have stepped up their work to protect the young people of their city from drug abuse.

A grassroots program established in 1993 by the Church of Scientology International, the Drug-Free Marshals educate children of the city before they become drug abuse statistics.

The Drug-Free Marshals operate on the simple concept that by educating kids on the effects of drugs and getting their commitment not to start using them in the first place, they proof young people up against future peer pressure, helping them avoid the tragedy of drug dependency.

L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Scientology religion, set the tone for the Church's anti-drug efforts when he wrote, "The acceleration of widespread use of drugs... has contributed heavily to a debilitated society. The drug scene is planet-wide. It is swimming in blood and human misery."

The Los Angeles Chapter, sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, participates in fairs and events throughout the year. This week they joined with police, parents, teachers and community groups throughout the city in celebrating the 23rd Annual National Night Out, a drug and crime prevention program that has been adopted by cities all over the country.