Red Ribbon Week is an important tradition for the drug prevention
community, and especially for the DEA. The event that has
become a national symbol of drug prevention began as a grassroots
tribute to a fallen DEA hero, Special Agent Enrique Camarena. The
National Red Ribbon Campaign was sparked by the murder of DEA
Special Agent Camarena by drug traffickers. In March of 1985, Camarena’s
Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano,
launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, California, Camarena’s home.
Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices
made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. From these clubs
emerged the Red Ribbon Week Campaign.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to
preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the cause for which he
gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign is a symbol of support for DEA’s and
America’s efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education
programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans
demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs, and pledge to live drug free lives.