buy-and-bust operation

Học thuật
Thân thiện
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