FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosted the kick-off of the Red Ribbon Campaign, October 20, 2020 at the premises of El Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortress in Old San Juan.
A.J. Collazo, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Caribbean Division welcomed the audience and explained that the event started as a tribute to fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena in 1985. Since 1988 it became the “National Red Ribbon Week,” the nation’s largest drug awareness and prevention program.
Many emblematic buildings around the nation are illuminated in red during the celebration of Red Ribbon Awareness Week. El Morro fortress, location for the Red Ribbon Campaign kick-off was illuminated in red.
US Army Garrison Fort Buchanan joined its federal partners from various law enforcement agencies to honor those agents killed in action in the battle against drug trafficking and organized crime worldwide. Representing the garrison were Garrison Command Sergeant Major José A. Banks and the Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Derrick W. Hood.
During the event, US Department of Justice, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Stephen Muldrow, emphasized that more than 70,000 people die due to drug overdose. It means eight deaths per hour. The Department of Justice joined the event in an effort to promote a drug-free lifestyle.
Pedro Janer, head of the Puerto Rico Security Bureau, thanked the work done in conjunction with federal agencies to eliminate the use of controlled substances, drug trafficking and organized crime.
A red ribbon is the symbol of this campaign to show our support to raise awareness to live drug free and to honor the sacrifices of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.
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