Italy Prevention Drive: 300 Volunteers, 500,000 “Truth About Drugs” Booklets Distributed

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy to support a drug-prevention information drive, distributing prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.

The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign 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 commonly abused substances and their risks.

Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. 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, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. Organisers Scientology argue, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. 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.