MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, 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 as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education 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 news europe today cited by organisers. 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 discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Full details: Scientology Europe: 500,000 drug-prevention booklets distributed in Italy.