Italy Prevention Drive: 300 Volunteers, 500,000 “Truth About Drugs” Booklets Distributed
MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, distributing educational 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.
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 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. eu news von der leyen The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
The organisers further point to sports-community involvement. They say over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
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. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Read more: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.