Narconon Georgia Celebrates Red Ribbon Week in Downtown Atlanta, Promoting Drug Awareness

Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia’s main focus is helping drug addicts live healthy, drug-free, productive lives. However, drug education is another area that is stressed by the staff of Narconon.

On October 26th, downtown Atlanta was treated to a live band as Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia celebrated Red Ribbon Week in Woodruff Park, in downtown Atlanta.

“Our goal is to educate people on the dangers of drug abuse,” commented Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia. “One way is celebrating Red Ribbon Week, with live music and drug education literature warning young and old alike about the dangers of drug abuse. Drug prevention is easier, less expensive, and saves lives. We are happy to provide a fun time as well as educating the public.”

The local band, sponsored by Narconon, set up in Woodruff Park, on the corner of Auburn Ave and Peachtree Street downtown, and played songs written by Michael Jackson, Louis Armstrong, as well as original compositions.

 “We must have passed out three thousand pieces of literature on drug education,” comments Ms. Rieser. “Thousands stopped to listen to the band, and everyone was dancing. It was a great time.This has been a tradition for several years, and the turnout just gets better every year.”

 Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent 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 DEA's investigation revealed that Agent Camarena had been tortured extensively before he was murdered. Audiotapes of the torture showed that medical doctors actually kept Agent Camarena alive in order to continue the interrogation. Evidence collected revealed that both Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala-Avelar were initially buried in one location and then moved to the ranch where they were found.

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.

In 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the Honorary Chairs.

Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.

*Source: redribboncoalition.com.