MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 eu news germany — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. According to organisers 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 in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by the work of L. Ron Hubbard. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. They say over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
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. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.