MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
The initiative is supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The campaign focuses on facts about substances and the physical and mental-health consequences associated with use.
Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. They say over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is Drug Prevention associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.
Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.