MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, circulating information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
The initiative is supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. 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, Scientology signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices 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: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.