DEA Omaha Division reaches more than 3,500 students with Red Ribbon presentations
OMAHA, Neb., – U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and staff in the Omaha Division talked with more than 3,500 students about the dangers of drugs during Red Ribbon Week presentations in October. Reaching students from kindergarten through high school, grade-specific presentations focused on reading and understanding prescription medication labels, the dangers of vaping and marijuana edibles, the importance of just saying no to drugs and the reason for Red Ribbon Week celebrations.
“With all of the false narratives and misleading marketing tactics our children are exposed to regarding marijuana derived products, it is imperative that law enforcement, educators and the medical community continue to educate our children on the dangers of gateway drugs,” said Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Richard Salter Jr. “We are the last line of defense in protecting them from an evil that will steal their future.”
Agents and staff handed out red ribbons, bracelets, pens and DEA Omaha Division badge stickers to students in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Students were given time to ask questions and try on raid gear including vests, helmets and medic packs. Some schools in the Omaha area had a surprise guest attend when a drug dog was brought in to demonstrate its skillset.
The DEA Omaha Division plans to carry the drug free message to schools throughout the school year, not just during Red Ribbon Week, and hopes to visit with more students in 2020. To request a presentation at your school, visit the DEA Omaha Division webpage on DEA.gov.
