MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, circulating prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, 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 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
The organisers further point to sports-community 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. 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: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a news europe war civic duty. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Read more: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.