MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January nationwide in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. 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 the work of 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 more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Cortin Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. According to organisers, 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: “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 push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.