Who was Kiki Camarena? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Enrique Camarena Salazar

Died At Age: 37

Born Country: Mexico

American Men

Died on: February 9, 1985

place of death: Guadalajara, Mexico

Ancestry: Mexican American

Notable Alumni: Calexico High School

Cause of Death: Assassination

More Facts

education: Calexico High School

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1

Where did Kiki Camarena work as an undercover agent?

Kiki Camarena worked as an undercover agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
2

What was the significance of Kiki Camarena's kidnapping in the fight against drug trafficking?

Kiki Camarena's kidnapping shed light on the brutal tactics employed by drug cartels and highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.
3

What was the outcome of the investigation into Kiki Camarena's kidnapping and murder?

The investigation into Kiki Camarena's kidnapping and murder led to the dismantling of several drug trafficking organizations and increased cooperation between the US and Mexican authorities in the war on drugs.
4

How did Kiki Camarena's death impact the US government's approach to the war on drugs?

Kiki Camarena's death served as a wake-up call for the US government, leading to increased funding and resources dedicated to the war on drugs and a renewed focus on combating drug trafficking.
5

What legacy has Kiki Camarena left in the fight against drug trafficking?

Kiki Camarena's legacy lives on as a symbol of the sacrifices made by law enforcement in the battle against drug trafficking, inspiring others to continue the fight for a drug-free society.

Childhood & Early Life

Kiki was born on July 26, 1947, in a small town called Mexicali. When he was nine, his family moved to Calexico, California.

After graduating high school, Kiki served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1975. After working in the Marine Corps, he went to Imperial Valley College and earned his associate degree.

During his college days, he also worked as a fireman in Calexico. He then joined the police department in Calexico.

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Career

While working in the police department, Kiki was transferred to El Centro, California, where he began his work as a narcotics investigator.

In 1974, he was appointed as an agent in the Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), and started working as a special agent. His principal mission was to eradicate drug trafficking in the country.

In 1981, he moved to the Guadalajara office in Mexico and stayed there for four years. During his stay in Mexico, he started gathering information about the various drug production houses in the surrounding area. He then passed on the information to the local police department and to the DEA.

In 1984, acting on a tip-off from Kiki, 450 Mexican soldiers backed by a helicopter destroyed Rancho Bufalo – a 2500-acre marijuana plantation. The damage affected the drug lords in a big way as almost 8 billion dollars worth of production was destroyed in the attack.

The drug lords managed to figure out that Camarena had provided the information about Rancho Bufalo. Meanwhile, Camarena was on the verge of exposing another massive drug trade, but the drug-mafia had already begun a hunt for him.

The DEA realized that Kiki’s life was in danger so they wanted to move him to a new location, but before they could do so, a few corrupt officers gave away his location to a drug lord named Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo.

On February 7, 1985, Kiki was abducted by five men in broad daylight. A few onlookers saw him being pushed into a Volkswagen car. He was then taken to an unknown place. At the time of his abduction, Camarena was on his way to meet his wife for lunch.

According to a few reports, he was tortured for 30 long hours at Miguel’s ranch. It is said that he was administered a certain type of drug that kept him awake while he was tortured. His ribs, jaw, teeth and nose were all broken and a hole was drilled into his head. His body was found on March 5, 1985, in La Angostura, a small town.

The news of Camarena’s murder shocked the U.S government as well as the DEA. Right after his death, ‘Operation Leyenda’ was launched by the DEA, and a special unit was sent to Mexico to investigate the matter.

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Miguel, Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo and Rafael Caro Quintero were declared the main suspects. A physician named Humberto Álvarez Machaín, who had administered the drug that had kept Caramena awake while he was being tortured, was arrested. A bodyguard, Javier Vásquez Velasco, was also taken into custody.

The physician was tried at the Los Angeles court in 1992, but was released due to lack of evidence against him. Miguel was shielded by Mexican politicians, while other suspects were found guilty of kidnapping.

Awards & Achievements

Camarena received many awards for his courage and bravery. One of the most important awards that he received was ‘Administrator’s Award of Honor’, which is the highest award given by the DEA.

To honor Camarena, a golf tournament is held every year at the DEA station in Fresno.

In 1985, ‘Red Ribbon Week’ was started in his memory. It is basically a campaign that teaches children and young adults about the ill-effects of drugs.

In 2004, Enrique S. Camarena Foundation was established in his honor.

‘Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks’ introduced an annual award ceremony called ‘Enrique Camarena Awards’. The award is given to individuals who show determination, courage and focus.

In November 1988, ‘TIME’ magazine featured Camarena on its cover page.

His story has been narrated in many television shows, such as ‘Drug Wars: The Camarena Story’ (1990), ‘Heroes Under Fire: Righteous Vendetta’ (2005), ‘Narcos’ (2015) and ‘El Chapo’ (2017).

His story found a mention in Roberto Saviano’s book ‘Zero Zero Zero’ (2015) too. The book ‘The abduction and murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena’ is also based on Camarena’s life. The book is written by James H. Kuykendall, a retired DEA agent.

Personal Life & Legacy

Camarena was married to Mika with whom he had three sons – Enrique, Daniel and Eric.

Facts About Kiki Camarena

Kiki Camarena was known for his dedication to his work as a DEA agent, often going above and beyond to pursue justice for those affected by drug trafficking.

He had a strong passion for helping others and making a positive impact in his community, earning him respect and admiration from his colleagues and friends.

Kiki Camarena was a skilled investigator who used his intelligence and resourcefulness to gather crucial information that led to significant drug busts and arrests.

Despite facing numerous challenges and dangers in his line of work, Kiki Camarena remained resilient and committed to his mission of combating drug cartels and protecting society.

He was known for his charismatic personality and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, making him a beloved figure in his community and among his peers.

Kiki Camarena Biography

You wanted to know

Where did Kiki Camarena work as an undercover agent?

What was the significance of Kiki Camarena's kidnapping in the fight against drug trafficking?

What was the outcome of the investigation into Kiki Camarena's kidnapping and murder?

How did Kiki Camarena's death impact the US government's approach to the war on drugs?

What legacy has Kiki Camarena left in the fight against drug trafficking?