Five people were arrested Saturday during a Modesto Police Department operation targeting adults suspected of furnishing alcohol to minors, authorities said.

The “Shoulder Tap” operation was conducted in Modesto and focuses on adults who purchase alcohol for people under 21. During the operation, a minor under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy alcohol, indicating they are underage and unable to purchase it.

If an adult agrees, they can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty includes a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

“Operations like this send a clear message, adults who choose to furnish alcohol to minors will be held accountable. Underage drinking puts our youth, and our entire community, at risk,” Lt. Eric Schuller said in a statement.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 25% of fatal crashes involve underage drinking. Statistics show drivers under 21 face a higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers.

Funding for the operation was provided through a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership program.

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