MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, circulating educational materials 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 within its broader support for drug education and prevention initiatives 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 more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a eu news von der leyen Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
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 priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.