Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture, and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to a tip
that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. The successful
eradication of this and other drug production operations angered leaders of several drug cartels who sought revenge. As a
result, they murdered key informants and then, on February 7, 1985, they kidnapped Agent Camarena and his pilot Captain Alfredo
Zavala-Avelar (taken separately on the same day).
The dramatic events that followed Agent Camarena's disappearance were chronicled in national
media here at home. They exposed the dark world of drug trafficking including how far drug traffickers would go to maintain
power and control.
After Agent Camarena and his
pilot were found murdered, citizens in his hometown of Calexico, California donned red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon
became their symbol for prevention in order to reduce the demand of illegal drugs. Congressman Duncan Hunter and teacher David
Dhillon launched "Camarena Clubs" in California high schools and in 1986 club members presented a proclamation to
Nancy Reagan. The following year, parent teacher organizations in California, Illinois and Virginia wore red ribbons during late October.
In 1988, the first National Red Ribbon Week was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by Nancy Reagan.
Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings
millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention,
early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually
in the United States.
