MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, distributing educational materials titled “Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers 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 L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The booklets present straightforward information Scientology on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. They say over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. According to organisers, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Read more: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.