MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been news europe active since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out prevention materials titled “Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, 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 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. They say over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging 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 civic duty. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Read more: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.