MILAN, Italy — 12 February Winter Olympics 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January in multiple Italian cities for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, 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 L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The campaign focuses on facts about substances and the physical and mental-health consequences associated with use.
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, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. According to organisers, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging 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: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Full details: Youth Safeguarding in Italy: 300 Scientology Volunteers Distribute 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets.