Modesto police arrest 8 in operation targeting adults who buy alcohol for minors
Eight people were arrested last week in Modesto as part of an operation targeting adults who purchase alcohol for minors, police said.
The Modesto Police Department said the arrests were made April 25 during a “shoulder tap” operation, a tactic used to catch adults who agree to buy alcohol for people under 21.
In the operation, a minor working under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to purchase alcohol. The minor tells the adult they are underage and cannot legally buy alcohol, police said.
According to authorities, eight suspects were arrested for furnishing alcohol to minors. Three of those individuals also faced additional charges, including felony warrants and a violation of post-release community supervision.
“Underage drinking harms our community. Preventing the sale of alcohol to minors will help to increase public safety and make our roads safer,” Lt. Joseph Bottoms said in a statement.
Police said adults who agree to buy alcohol for a minor can be arrested and cited. The penalty includes a minimum $1,000 fine and at least 24 hours of community service.
The department said the operation was conducted in partnership with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which helps fund enforcement efforts aimed at reducing underage drinking and related crashes.
Authorities noted that statistics show drivers under 21 are at higher risk of being involved in crashes, with underage drinking contributing to a significant portion of fatal collisions nationwide.
