Police and firearms officials announced a campaign this morning to stop illegal straw purchases of guns, "Don't Lie for the Other Guy."

Police want to remind people that there are "severe" penalties for people who illegally buy guns for other people.

The announcement took place at Field & Stream in Cranberry Township.

"Lying to obtain a firearm is a federal offense," said ATF agent Sam Rabadi (pictured at podium). "People will be prosecuted on the federal level."

Township Police Chief Kevin Meyer said the problem has grown in Butler County in recent years because a number of straw purchasers illegally buy guns for drugs in return.

People are encouraged to report alleged straw purchases to police.

Mobile phone users can report straw purchases to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with the ATF tips app.