The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested a convenience store clerk on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, after he illegally sold alcohol to a minor, during an undercover "Operation Pop Top" investigation.

"These operations are carried out frequently at different locations throughout the county, to ensure that the stores and employees are compliant with state laws, by not selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Kudos to those who did the right thing." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

The 17-year-old participant is a member of the PCSO Explorers program which consists of students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

The Explorer visited ten stores in the Winter Haven area, and he was successful in purchasing an alcoholic beverage at one of the stores.

Deputies arrested 23-year-old Islam Saiful at the Best by Rasel store at 2415 Avenue G NW in Winter Haven.

The nine other stores which were visited and were compliant were:
*Bill’s Market, 4670 Hwy 17 N., Winter Haven
*Quik Mart, 100 E. Central Avenue, Winter Haven
*Mobil, 1200 Third St SW, Winter Haven
*Citgo Snack Shop, 3317 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven
*7-Eleven, 4000 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven
*Superway Food Mart, 2590 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven
*ARKH,  2793 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven
*Sunoco, 1502 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven
*Marathon, 1660 Lake Shipp Drive, Winter Haven