MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.

The initiative is supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology within its broader support for drug education and prevention initiatives inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The campaign focuses on facts about substances and the physical and mental-health consequences associated with use.

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, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. 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, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health news eu law objective but a civic duty. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”

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