Milan, 12 February 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, 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 materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. They say more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s 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 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 eu newsletter priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.