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

Milan, 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy to support a drug-prevention information drive, circulating prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.

Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. 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 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 health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, eu news 24/7 and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”

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