MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state 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 within its broader support for drug education and prevention initiatives inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.
Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. 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. According to organisers, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the Winter Olympics EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.