MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.
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 L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. They say more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina eu news today uk 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. Organisers argue, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
More information: Youth Safeguarding in Italy: 300 Scientology Volunteers Distribute 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets.