Italy: 300 Volunteers Mobilised as 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets Are Distributed

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January across Italy to support a drug-prevention information drive, distributing information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, 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 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. Organisers argue, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Across Europe, protecting news eurovision young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.