MILAN — news eu ukraine 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, distributing educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
Athlete engagement is also 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, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. 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, 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. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.