DEA Kicks Off Red Ribbon Campaign

OCT 17 -- (WASHINGTON) – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) this week kicks off its annual Red Ribbon Campaign, the nation’s largest drug prevention effort.

The National Red Ribbon Campaign began after drug traffickers in Mexico tortured and brutally murdered Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in March 1985. Officially, Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated nationally from October 23-31; however, communities and school districts nationwide hold events throughout the month.

The Red Ribbon Campaign is dedicated to helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life, the fight against the violence of drug crime and the misery of addiction. By gathering together in special events and wearing a Red Ribbon during the last week in October, Americans from all walks of life demonstrate their opposition to drugs.

Red Ribbon week started as a local effort in Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, California when former Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Camarena’s high school friend, Henry Lozano, created Camarena Clubs to ensure fond memories of Kiki. The National Family Partnership (NFP) created a national campaign of observance, an eight-day event proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by then President and Mrs. Reagan.

Approximately 80 million people participate in Red Ribbon events every year.

Members of the public can watch the 2016 National Red Ribbon Rally free and live via webcast on Wednesday, October 19th at 11:00am ET/8:00 am PT by visiting www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com

For news about events scheduled in your areas, please check the web at www.dea.gov or contact your local DEA Office.

For a toolkit with Red Ribbon materials and more information, visit: https://www.dea.gov/redribbon/RedRibbonCampaign.shtml