By Gabriella Lozada
This week is Red Ribbon week; this celebration runs from October 29th to November 2. Red Ribbon week is an alcohol, tobacco, drug, and violence prevention campaign that is held and celebrated during the month of October. During this week, schools hold days where students may dress up and be informed of the history of this week and are encouraged to say no to drugs and alcohol. This week is also held in honor of Enrique Camarena. His story sparked several movements, support groups, and campaigns across the country that promote the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.
Red ribbon week commenced after the kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. He was working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for 4 years investigating drug trafficking. His finding led to the discovery of a multi-million narcotics manufacturing operation taking place in Chihuahua, Mexico. A man and his three sons, who were “in” on the operation, kidnapped Camarena and his pilot. They began to torture them and ended up murdering them both. Unfortunately, it was later revealed from the Federal Judicial Police that they were mistakenly kidnapped. The DEA was invited to raid a ranch, where they were heard to be, to retrieve their men. When they arrived both Camarena and his pilot were found dead near the ranch. Camarena’s story and his investigation revealed a world of drug trafficking to our society.
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