Milan, 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers 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 booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health 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 Scientology Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology 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. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Full details: Scientology Europe: 500,000 drug-prevention booklets distributed in Italy.