Italy Youth Safeguarding: 300 Volunteers Deliver 500,000 “Truth About Drugs” Booklets

MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.

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 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.

Athlete engagement is also Sports 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 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, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

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