RED RIBBON WEEK PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS

Former undercover drug investigators sharing their expertise at a gathering
for parents in Golden Gate and a new, multilingual hotline to turn in drug
dealers are part of this year's Red Ribbon Week in Collier County.

Reminders about the fight against drugs and several events start Monday,
Oct. 27, and run through the week, which is set aside to make the community
aware of programs involving drug awareness and education.

The most visible symbol of this week are the red ribbons worn in
remembrance of slain Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki"
Camarena. While investigating a major Mexican drug cartel in February 1985,
Camarena, 37, was kidnapped and his tortured body found in a shallow grave
about a month later.

To remember him, his friends began to wear the red badges and soon
anti-drug coalitions around the country adopted the symbol. The first
nationwide Red Ribbon Week was organized in 1988.

"Red Ribbon Week offers the community an opportunity to raise awareness of
illicit drug use and its disastrous impact on our children, families,
schools, businesses and governments who make up our community," Sheriff Don
Hunter said in a prepared statement.

The sheriff's office offers this list of daily possibilities for people to
get involved with:

* Monday, Oct. 27: "Make a Commitment Against Drugs Monday" encourages
everyone to commit to a drug-free lifestyle at home and at work. Call
793-9247 for more information from deputies. Create a drug-free home by
visiting www.colliersheriff.org and look for a co mmitment contract.

* "Turn in a Dealer Tuesday" encourages Collier County residents to take a
stand by turning in information on suspected drug dealers in their
neighborhoods. The tips hotline number, 775-8477, is now multilingual, with
information provided in English, Spanish and Creole.

Tips also now can be sent via e-mail at TIPS@colliersheriff.org or can be
mailed in to the sheriff's office by sending it to Collier County Sheriff's
Office, Vice and Narcotics Bureau, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples 34112 or
call Crimestoppers 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) and be eligible for a cash reward.
Give details, such as where and when, a description of the people and cars
involved. All tips can be made anonymously and are considered confidential
by authorities.

* "Wipe Out Your Problem Wednesday" teams up the sheriff's office with the
David Lawrence Center, which helps people with substance abuse problems.
The David Lawrence Center has set aside time for open evaluation sessions
throughout today for those seeking immediate assistance. The emergency help
number is 455-8500.

Former undercover officers will hold a seminar teaching parents how to
identify drugs, paraphernalia and explain local drug trends. The seminar is
for adults only and will be held at Golden Gate Middle School at 2701 48th
Terrace S.W., between 7 and 9 p.m.

* "Trash Your Drugs Thursday" is a reminder to do your own drug raid at
home by cleaning out medicine cabinets to keep everyone safe from old or
expired prescription and non-prescription drugs. Medicines that are
unlabeled or have major changes in color, smell or taste should be disposed of.

* "Families Against Drugs Friday," which falls on Halloween, gives families
a chance to spend time together, from trick-or-treating to hitting the
movie theater. Parents and kids should talk about what's going on to
reinforce the importance of the family as support.

* "Safety Saturday" gives people a chance to think about locking up their
medication to keep it out of the hands of thieves. Medication also should
be stored in a room other than the bathroom because of the warm and damp
climate.

* "Speak to Your Kids Sunday" encourages parents to commit to spend time
talking to their kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Deputies also
encourage families to sign their anti-drug commitment contracts and hang
them up in the house.