MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report 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 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 Italy commonly abused substances and their 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, 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, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
Full details: Scientology Europe: 500,000 drug-prevention booklets distributed in Italy.