MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
The initiative is supported 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 booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
The organisers further point to sports-community involvement. They say 100+ athletes associated with Milano Cortina 2026 have added news eu farmers their names to 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 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: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.