DEA visits North Dakota school by helicopter for drug prevention week

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 23:02 · Archive

DEA agents arrived at Wahpeton High School by helicopter during Red Ribbon Week to warn students that drug threats affect communities of all sizes.

DEA agents arrived at Wahpeton High School in North Dakota by helicopter during Red Ribbon Week to deliver a message to students about drug prevention. The visit was part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's annual awareness campaign, running 23–31 October and encouraging people to make drug-free choices.

Rafael Mattei, acting special agent in charge of the DEA Omaha Division, said the agency's main goal was to help students understand that drug-related dangers are not limited to large cities. 'Our biggest message today to these kids is to be aware of these dangers. Just because you're not in a large city environment where the drug world is more prevalent, it doesn't mean that it's not here,' Mattei said. 'So we want them to know the dangers are everywhere.'

Red Ribbon Week is in its 41st year and honours DEA Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena, who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered while investigating members of a drug cartel in Mexico. Mattei said the agent's death serves as both a reminder of the dangers of fighting drug trafficking and an opportunity to encourage young people to make protective choices. The DEA Omaha Division reported it has removed more than five million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl across five states during the first nine months of 2026.

How it is being reported

• DEA flies into Wahpeton High School to promote drug prevention during Red Ribbon WeekThe DEA Omaha Division says it has removed more than five million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl across 5 states during the first nine months of 2026.Kfyrtv · 26 Oct, 22:09
• DEA flies into Wahpeton High School to promote drug prevention during Red Ribbon WeekThe DEA Omaha Division says it has removed more than five million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl across 5 states during the first nine months of 2026.Valleynewslive · 26 Oct, 22:09

In this story: DEA · Wahpeton High School · Rafael Mattei · Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena · Wahpeton · North Dakota

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