OPOTA Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide for Your Test

A controlled buy is defined specifically as the purchase of drugs by a confidential informant. This procedure is commonly used in law enforcement to gather evidence against drug dealers and traffickers. In a controlled buy, the informant is closely monitored by law enforcement, often with audio or video surveillance, to ensure the transaction is captured and can be used in court. This method allows law enforcement agencies to effectively establish a chain of evidence while minimizing risks associated with undercover operations.

The other options do not fit the definition of a controlled buy. The purchase of firearms by an undercover officer, while involving covert operations, does not pertain specifically to drug transactions. Purchasing stolen property can involve various types of crime but does not specifically align with the term controlled buy. Lastly, purchasing alcohol by a minor also does not relate to the context of controlled buys, as it typically concerns regulatory rather than criminal enforcement related specifically to drug offenses.