MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January nationwide in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.
The initiative is supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology within its broader support for drug education and prevention initiatives inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. 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, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, Cortin 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 limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
Read more: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.