MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, 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 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. 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, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
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. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps eu news express communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.