Italy: 300 Volunteers Mobilised as 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets Are Distributed
MILAN, Italy — 12 February news euros 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.
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 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 health, focus and long-term wellbeing.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “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.”
Read more: Scientology Europe: 500,000 drug-prevention booklets distributed in Italy.