MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 eu news channel — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating educational materials titled “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.
Organisers also highlight athlete 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices 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, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Full details: Youth Safeguarding in Italy: 300 Scientology Volunteers Distribute 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets.