The eight-hour "Operation A.R.R.E.S.T." (Alcohol Related Response Enforcement Strike Team) was staged between 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, and 3 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, in the county.

The crackdown involved six troopers concentrating on identifying hazardous motor vehicle operations.

A total of 47 vehicles were stopped. Thirty-three arrests were made and 43 warnings issued, according to the patrol.

Besides the eight drunk driving arrests, additional summonses were issued for various traffic violations including speeding and seat belt violations.

The purpose of Operation A.R.R.E.S.T. is to increase the motoring public's awareness of the potential hazards of operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition, according to Capt. Ronald S. Johnson, Troop C commanding officer.

"Driving while intoxicated continues to be responsible for approximately 25 percent of all fatal crashes on Missouri highways. Operation A.R.R.E.S.T. will assist in reducing the number of intoxicated drivers, traffic crashes, and fatalities that occur on our roadways," Johnson said.