MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
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.
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 Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. According to organisers, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
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. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed eu newsroom choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.