Italy: 300 Volunteers Mobilised as 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets Are Distributed

MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, distributing educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. According to organisers that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.

The initiative is supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education inspired by the work of news eurovision L. Ron Hubbard. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health 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, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. According to organisers, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “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 reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.