Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific type of undercover police operation: A "buy-and-bust operation" is a law enforcement tactic where undercover officers or informants purchase illegal drugs from a dealer and then immediately arrest the dealer.

Usage

• This term is used almost exclusively in the context of law enforcement, narcotics investigations, and criminal justice.
• It describes a complete, discrete police action with a clear sequence: a buy (purchase) followed by a bust (arrest).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The police department conducted a successful buy-and-bust operation downtown last night.
  • The detective specialized in planning and executing buy-and-bust operations.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in news reports, police procedurals, and legal discussions.
• It implies a proactive, targeted approach to apprehending drug dealers in the act of selling.

Variants and Related Words

• Sting operation (n): A broader term for a deceptive operation designed to catch a person committing a crime. A buy-and-bust is a specific type of sting focused on drug sales.
• Undercover operation (n): A general term for any police action where officers conceal their identity. A buy-and-bust is a form of undercover operation.

Synonyms

• Drug sting: A very close synonym, though "sting" can involve other types of crimes.
• Narcotics operation: A more general term that could include buy-and-busts among other tactics.

Related Phrases

• To bust someone (v, informal): To arrest someone.
  • The officers busted the dealer right after the money changed hands.
• To make a buy (v, law enforcement jargon): To complete an undercover drug purchase.
  • The agent was wired to record audio when he made the buy.

Noun

1. an undercover operation by narcotics detectives to catch unsuspecting drug dealers