United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEWARK, N.J. - - The Drug Enforcement Administration-New Jersey Division and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) are pleased to announce their sponsorship of “Operation Leyenda 4 Miler.”

Every year October 23 to October 31 is designated as Red Ribbon Week.  Red Ribbon Week began nationally in 1988 to honor the memory of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.  In February 1985, Special Agent Camarena was assigned to the DEA office in Guadalajara, Mexico when he was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by members of a drug trafficking organization.  Red Ribbon Week began officially in 1988 with former President and First Lady, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, acting as honorary chairpersons.  Red Ribbon Week has become the annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, work places, and communities. Each year, during the last week in October, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon.

As part of this year’s Red Ribbon celebration, the DEA New Jersey Division and the NY/NJ HIDTA are sponsoring the “Operation Leyenda 4 Miler” on Saturday, October 24 at 9:30am.  This will consist of a four mile run or two mile walk.  Operation Leyenda was the title of the operation to investigate the kidnapping of Special Agent Camarena.

The event will take place at Garret Mountain Reservation.  This is open to the public and there is no registration fee.  Those interested in registering can go to:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NJ/Woodland Park/Operation Leyenda4mile.