Italy Prevention Drive: 300 Volunteers, 500,000 “Truth About Drugs” Booklets Distributed

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, distributing educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. According to organisers that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.

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 L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.

The organisers further point to sports-community involvement. They say 100+ athletes associated with Milano Cortina 2026 have added their names to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. Organisers argue, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is Drug Prevention associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”

Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.