Who We Are - Overview

17 October 2001
Local Hero’s Recognition Kicks Off
California’s Red, (White and Blue) Ribbon Week
Terrorism’s Link to Drug Trafficking Discussed During 15th Anniversary Luncheon

What:
Terrorism’s link to drug trafficking is discussed during California’s Red Ribbon Week kick off celebration.

Federal, state and local officials, community leaders and volunteers meet in San Diego to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Red Ribbon Week and honor Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in whose memory the drug prevention campaign was created.

The San Diego Prevention Coalition recognizes companies, community organizations, and youth that have made a difference in promoting safe, healthy and drug-free communities.

Why:

	Substance abuse costs San Diego County about $1.8 billion dollars each year. California spends over $10 billion dollars every year dealing with substance abuse problems.
	Currently, there are 14 million Americans using or abusing illicit drugs.
	In the U.S., 52,000 people die from drug-related causes each year.
	Afghanistan produces 60% of the world’s opium for processing into heroin. Profits have been used to pay for terrorist activity.
	This year, California is celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 19-28.

When:
Friday, October 19, 2001, 11:30 AM

Where:
Handlery Hotel & Resort
950 Hotel Circle North

Who:

	Dede Alpert, State Senator, 39th District
	Errol J. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge, DEA
	Dave Vialpando, Special Agent Supervisor, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement
	Henry Lozano, President’s Advisory Commision on Drug-Free Communities
	John Redman, Executive Director, San Diego Prevention Coalition

Background:
Red Ribbon Week was established in 1986 in memory of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, kidnapped, tortured and murdered by members of a drug cartel in Mexico. Since then, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated across America and serves to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.