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

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January nationwide in a prevention-through-information campaign, distributing information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.

The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.

Organisers also highlight athlete 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. In the organisers’ view, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

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

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