Milan, 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. The organisers state that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.

Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by the work of L. Ron Hubbard. 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 eu newspapers athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 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 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: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”

Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.