Red Ribbon Motorcycle Ride Raises Awareness for Drug Education – KCSR / KBPY

The 1,400-mile journey takes riders to five state capitals in three days

Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division are helping to raise awareness for Red Ribbon Week with a 1,400-mile motorcycle ride beginning at 7 a.m. in Omaha on Tuesday, October 8, with stops at capitol buildings in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, the five states that make up the DEA Omaha Division.

Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest substance abuse prevention and awareness program and takes place annually October 23-31. The event began after the death of DEA special agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was tortured and murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. Today, millions of people recognize Red Ribbon Week by wearing ribbons, lighting landmarks red, engaging in conversations about the dangers of drug abuse and experimentation, and committing to a drug-free life.

Across the Midwest, fentanyl and methamphetamine remain the top two drugs seized by the DEA in 2024. To date, approximately 3.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been seized from the five states, along with nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine. While fentanyl pill seizures are down, fentanyl powder seizures are up 21 percent and methamphetamine seizures are up about 50 percent.

“It sounds cliché given the ride we're about to embark on, but we can't take our foot off the gas when it comes to raising awareness about the dangers of drugs,” said Steven T., Special Agent in Charge ( SAC) of the DEA Omaha Division. Bell said. “We must continue the conversation about the consequences of drug experimentation and abuse and educate members of our community about the deadly effects of a single small dose of fentanyl.” We hope this Red Ribbon ride brings attention to an issue that is of concern families in our region need to be discussed.”

DEA Omaha Division SAC Bell is among the drivers making the three-day trip through all five states and is available for interviews. The times listed below are preliminary and subject to change. To schedule an interview with SAC Bell or Public Information Officer Emily Murray about the ride or Red Ribbon Week, please contact Murray at [email protected] or 402-214-0692.

Tuesday: October 8th
Departure – DEA Omaha Division Office: Approximately 7 a.m
7300 World Communications Drive, Omaha, NE 68122

Arrival – Iowa State Capitol: Approximately 10 a.m
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319

Arrival – Minnesota State Capitol: approximately 3:00 p.m
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., St Paul, MN 55155

Wednesday: October 9th
Arrival – North Dakota State Capitol: Approximately 11am
600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505

Arrival – South Dakota State Capitol: approximately 3:30 p.m
500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501

Thursday. October 10th
Arrival – Nebraska State Capitol: approximately 3:00 p.m
1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68508