Cult Watchers Focus Sights On Drug Centre, 3 Oct 1998
(The Mirror, Ireland - 3 October 1998)
Cult Watchers Focus Sights On Drug Centre; Scientologists Under
Investigation; Scientologists Drug & Alcohol Treatment Under
Investigation
The Department of Health is to investigate a drug and alcohol treatment
programme being run by the controversial Church of Scientology.
®
Narconon
®, whose
Irish branch is run by Scientologist Barry O'Kane, is
to be investigated by the department after complaints were received
from concerned cult watchers.
This week, a convicted Dutch dope smuggler flew in to Ireland to
promote the programme by running from Galway to Dublin as part of
a "European anti-drugs marathon".
Paul Ruud, 42, head of the Dutch branch of Narconon, flew yesterday
to England where he continues the drive to coax addicts and alcoholics
to try the treatment.
Ruud became involved in the programme, set up more than 30 years ago
by Scientologist leader L Ron Hubbard and a former convict William
Benitize, while he was in prison.
Eight Irish people have already gone through the programme which
costs IŁ1,000 per month. It involves large amounts of vitamins,
hours of sauna treatments and exercise followed by after-care education
using Hubbard's teachings.
Addicts and alcoholics who sign up here have to fly to the Narconon
centre in Holland where they undergo four months of intensive
treatment.
Barry O'Kane, who signs Irish people up for the programme, denied
that Narconon was a recruitment ground for the Church.
He admitted that the Irish branch was set for a major promotions
drive which he hopes to carry out through community centres.
O'Kane claims he was cured of his cannabis addiction after he joined
the Church and started the programme.
"It's a treatment for drug addiction which involves clearing the
body of narcotics through vitamins and sauna treatments.
"After the person is cleared of these substances they go on to
the next stage which helps them understand why they used drugs in the
first place," he said.
Last night Dermot Fortune, whose brother Odhran disappeared with
Church members two years ago, warned that anything connected to the
Scientologists was just a hunting ground for new recruits.
"We haven't heard from Odhran in months. He is still with them
but we don't even know where," he said.
"People need to be made aware that these Scientologists are
behind this Narconon thing. It is just another front for them to
recruit more members."
The name "Narconon"® is trademarked to the Scientology
organization through one of their many front groups. The name
"Scientology"® is also trademarked to the "Church"
of Scientology. Neither this web page, nor this web site, nor any of the
individuals mentioned herein assisting to educate the public about the
dangers of the Narconon scam are members of or representitives of the
Scientology organization.
If you or a loved one needs help -- real help -- there are
a number of rehabilitation programs you can contact. The real
Narcotics Anonymous organization
can get you in touch with real people who can help you.
Click [HERE] to visit Narcotics
Anonymous's web site. Narcotics Anonymous's telephone number is
1 (818) 773-9999.
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Forward: For a systematic, detailed, professional exposure of
Scientology's "Narconon" front group, visit the
Narconon Exposed web site.
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