Alcohol sting nets 23 arrests

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - 23 people were arrested in the Albuquerque area in Saturday night's underage alcohol sting.

Police said that the number of arrests has decreased over the last couple of years.

Law enforcement officials are very close to a goal they set two and a half years ago, and they said that it's a matter of keeping up the pressure.

Police believe that underage drinking leads to youth violence, traffic crashes, high risk sexual behavior, property crime, alcohol dependence and dozens of other problems.

Of the 23 people arrested during Saturday's sting, seven were store clerks who allegedly sold alcohol to minors.

Two and a half years ago, Albuquerque stores had a compliance rate of 55 percent. This year officials said that it's up to 95 percent.

Giving alcohol to minors is a fourth degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.