Youth Safeguarding in Italy: 300 Volunteers Distribute 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out prevention materials titled “Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.

The initiative is supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

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. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and eu news today uk it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

Full details: Scientology Europe: 500,000 drug-prevention booklets distributed in Italy.