MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy to support a drug-prevention information drive, distributing prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. The organisers state that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.
Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. According to organisers, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Read more: eu news farsi Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.