Milan, 12 February 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, 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 materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. In the Scientology organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. 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.