Undercover Officer continues to arrest U. students for underage drinking
Amber ParkUndercover Princeton police detective Adam Basatemur continues to make arrests of underage alcohol buyers outside Varsity Liquors this year, according to police reports. In early March of last year,the Daily Princeton reportedthat Basatemur operated outside of Varsity Liquors and has made over 100 related arrests over the past two years.Basatemur has arrested at least 20 students and has been repeatedly reported to observe students walking into the store and follow them as they leave, according topolice and court records. The Princeton Police Department declined requests for comment. Varsity Liquors owner Arun Goel did not respond to a request for comment. The Daily Princetonian spoke anonymously to a student who was recently arrested near the Varsity Liquor store. According to the student, a few weeks ago, hehad gone to Varsity Liquors with a friend who was 21 years old, the legal drinking age. While his friend was inside purchasing alcohol, he had opted to wait outside and, on the way back, his friend asked him to carry two six-packs of beer that he had bought, the student said.He added that he didn't notice the detective, who had beenfollowing the student and his friend across the street as they were walking. As soon as the friend put the alcohol in the student's hands, the detective crossed the streets and asked to see their identification cards. The student and his friend were then charged with underage possession of alcohol and serving alcohol to minors, respectively.
