The History of Red Ribbon Week

The red badge, symbolizes the support for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the memory of agent Enrique Camarena ("Kiki"). He was a DEA police officer, who dedicated his life in the battle against drugs back in the 1980s.

He went to South America (Mexico) to examine the country's most well known drugs and weed traffickers. The DEA considered that the associates of the Spanish government, military and authorities were engaged in these drug deals. During the first 7 days in Feb of 1985, Camarena was taken attentive. One month later, he was found dead; his body had been tormented.

Within several weeks of his loss of life, thousands collected and promised to live drug - free life in respect of authorities like Camarena who provided their life to back up the war on drugs. They established Camarena Groups, dressed in red silk badges to show their account and indicate their promises. The Red Ribbon Week effort was due to these clubs. It obtained nationwide identification in 1988.

Hence the Red Ribbon Week is widely celebrated in the honor of Camarena's memory and to spread the awareness about the effect of drug trafficking and drug usage.