MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. The organisers state that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign within its broader support for drug education and prevention initiatives inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The campaign focuses on facts about substances and the physical and mental-health consequences associated with use.
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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. Organisers argue, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic eu news von der leyen responsibility across Europe. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Read more: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.