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

Milan, 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. The organisers state that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.

Support for the outreach is provided 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. Organisers argue, 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, stated: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal news eureka and a civic responsibility. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

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