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 prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. They say more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities limit the news europawahl conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.