Which of the following terms best describes techniques to prevent illegal sales of substances to minors?

The term that best describes techniques specifically aimed at preventing illegal sales of substances to minors is "stings." This approach involves law enforcement or regulatory agencies conducting undercover operations to identify and apprehend vendors who unlawfully sell alcohol, tobacco, or other controlled substances to individuals who are underage. Stings are proactive and direct methods of enforcement that create a deterrent effect aimed at both the sellers and potential buyers, thereby addressing the issue of illegal sales at its source.

In contrast, awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community outreach can play critical roles in raising consciousness about the risks of substance use and promoting legal compliance among vendors. However, they generally focus on prevention through education and social mobilization instead of the direct enforcement associated with sting operations. Awareness campaigns typically seek to inform the community about the dangers of substance abuse, while educational programs aim to provide information to youth and parents about making healthy choices. Community outreach involves engaging with the local population to foster support and collaborative efforts against substance abuse but does not directly involve enforcement techniques like stings.