MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.
Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work 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 100+ athletes associated with Milano Cortina 2026 have added their names to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding Sports is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.