MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out educational materials titled “Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that more than 500,000 booklets have already been eu news today uk distributed, 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 the work of L. Ron Hubbard. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. Organisers argue, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging 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, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.