Acting Sgt. Brian Daily said Tuesday that the department had heard of reports of local businesses selling alcohol and cigarettes to underage buyers. Daily also said that recently, arrests had been increasing for minors in possession, minors consuming alcohol and DUIs involving minors. When arrested, the minors said they obtained the alcohol from Tonganoxie businesses.

On Saturday, the department gave an undercover minor money in which to purchase alcohol. At all seven establishments, cashiers did not check the minor for identification.

“Lately the police department as a whole as been more active with dealing with these issues,” Daily said.

Police also have apprehended city residents for marijuana possession in recent months.

Daily said new Kansas statutes that became effective this month prompted the investigation.

New laws are more strict in general for minors and also hold parents more accountable for minors who consume alcohol, Daily said.