Police Bust Dozens of Minors for Drinking and Smoking
Over the weekend of February 5 to 6, North Police Prefecture officers issued 62 alcohol- or tobacco-related citations in the immediate vicinity of Tallinn's Saku Suurhall arena, where the Simple Session 2011 BMX and skateboarding event was taking place.
Police officers caught 25 minors smoking, 19 in possession of tobacco products and 12 consuming alcoholic beverages. There were also cases where adults were offering minors either alcohol or cigarettes. Six adults and 44 minors received misdemeanor citations, according to the prefecture.
Nurmely Mitrahovitsh, senior officer of the juvenile division of South Police Prefecture finds it very alarming that many of the offending minors were only 13-14 years old.
“In addition to the violations, several minors tried to lie about their age. Certainly no one should think that a lie will not come out in this situation and will save them from a misdemeanor citation. It should also be known that giving false personal information to the police is punishable,” said Mitrahovitš.
According to Mitrahovitsh, young people should understand that breaking the law will bring specific consequences.
"Every smaller crime can influence young people’s future, because they can lead to much more serious offences,” stressed the officer.