Definition

1. Noun:
   • A police operation resulting in the seizure of illegal drugs: "drug bust" specifically refers to an event where law enforcement officers discover and confiscate illegal narcotics, often involving arrests.

Usage

• The term is used as a countable noun to describe a specific law enforcement action.
• It is typically used in news reports, informal contexts, and discussions about crime.
• It often implies a successful police raid or operation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The police conducted a major drug bust downtown last night.
  • The DEA announced a significant drug bust that netted over 100 kilos of cocaine.
  • He was arrested during a drug bust at his apartment.

Advanced Usage

• "to make a bust": This is a related informal phrase used by law enforcement meaning to successfully execute a raid resulting in seizures and arrests.
  • The narcotics unit made a huge bust on the city's west side.

Variants and Related Words

• Bust (noun): In police slang, a "bust" can refer more generally to any arrest or raid, not necessarily involving drugs. "Drug bust" is a specific compound of this term.
• Drug raid (noun): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "drug bust."

Synonyms

• Drug seizure: A more formal term focusing on the confiscation aspect.
• Narcotics raid: A term emphasizing the police operation against illegal drugs.

Related Phrases

• Bust someone for drugs: This phrasal verb means to arrest someone for drug-related offenses.
  • The undercover agent finally busted the dealer for drugs.

Noun

1. seizure of illegal drugs by the police