Arizona, known for its hard-edge approach to drunken driving, has issued grants to Pima County and Nogales to combat underage drinking and DUI.
Pima County received over $180,000 to focus on placing DUI checkpoints, track down outstanding DUI arrest warrants and operate liquor license sweeps. Nogales received about $70,000 to do the same.
As part of the enforcement, the local police officers will attempt to step up patrols in residential areas where underage drinking often takes place. They will specifically target young drinkers who are returning from Mexico, where 18 is the legal drinking age but IDs are rarely required for patrons even younger than that. Even the US State Department warns the drinking age is not enforced in Mexico uniformly.
The problem of underage drinking across the border affects Arizona, Texas and New Mexico commonly. A further concern today is the escalating danger of a trip to Mexico due to local drug wars that have lead to an increase in crime including homicide.
Police officers along the Southern border of the US are concerned for the safety of young people who venture to border towns, notably Tijuana, Tecate, Mexicali and Juarez to enjoy a night out with friends. Patrols will set checkpoints and engage in more traffic stops along routes popular when returning from these areas.
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