World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
DEA chief says Mexican official corruption played a role in Camarena’s killing
DEA chief Terry Cole renewed the claim that corruption among Mexican authorities played a role in the 1985 killing of agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
Camarena was an undercover agent who infiltrated the Guadalajara Cartel and uncovered a large marijuana plantation.
He was kidnapped, tortured and killed in Mexico; cartel leader Rafael Caro Quintero is accused of involvement.
Caro Quintero is detained in New York after Mexico handed him over to the United States in 2025.
He is discussing a possible plea deal that could avoid a trial, but no agreement has been reached.
He is due back in court on November 20, and his trial is scheduled for March 2027 if no deal is made.
Cole made his comments while urging support for Red Ribbon Week, a drug-prevention campaign held from October 23 to 31 in Camarena’s honor.
DEA Director Terry Cole said corruption by Mexican authorities played a role in the 1985 killing of agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
Cole made the remarks at an event in Pennsylvania focused on efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking.
He urged support for Red Ribbon Week, an annual drug-prevention campaign honoring Camarena.
Cole did not give specific details about current corruption cases, Infobae reported.
Rafael Caro Quintero, who was convicted in connection with Camarena’s killing according to El Universal, appeared in a New York court on October 14 for talks about a possible plea agreement.
- Who
- DEA Director Terry Cole made the statement about agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
- What
- Cole said corruption by Mexican authorities played a role in Camarena’s killing.
- When
- Cole made the statement on Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- At an event in Pennsylvania focused on combating fentanyl trafficking.
- Why
- Cole made the remarks while urging support for Red Ribbon Week, a campaign honoring Camarena and promoting drug prevention.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Camarena was kidnapped, tortured and killed in Mexico.
Red Ribbon Week was created in Camarena’s honor, according to Infobae.
The Mexican government handed Caro Quintero over to the United States, according to El Universal.
Caro Quintero appeared in court for discussions about a possible agreement to avoid trial.
Cole said Mexican official corruption played a role in Camarena’s killing at a Pennsylvania event.
- DEA director
- Terry Cole (also identified as Terrance Cole by El Universal)
- Victim
- Enrique “Kiki” Camarena
- Year of killing
- 1985
- Campaign
- Red Ribbon Week, October 23–31
- Location of Cole’s event
- Pennsylvania
- Caro Quintero court appearance
- October 14, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
fue capturado, torturado y asesinado en México bajo la corrupción de las autoridades mexicanas a principios de la década de 1980
Les pido que apoyen la Semana del Listón Rojo que rinde homenaje a ‘Kiki’ Camarena, un agente de la DEA que fue capturado, torturado y asesinado en México bajo la corrupción de las autoridades mexicanas