MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.
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 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 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 provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, eu news this week Council of Europe and UN, stated: “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 reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.