The Ohio State Highway Patrol teamed up with law enforcement agencies in Belmont County to arrest suspected criminals during a two-day sweep.

The arrests happened countywide last Thursday and Friday. It was the first time "Operation Shield" was utilized in Belmont County.

The OSHP sponsored the operation and provided assistance to local departments involved, including the Belmont County Sheriff's Office, the drug task force and police departments from Martins Ferry, Bridgeport, Bellaire, Shadyside and St. Clairsville.

Belmont County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Tom DeVaul showed NEWS9 how officials worked on Operation Shield. Officials only needed probable cause – like vehicle defects -- to stop suspected offenders and get a look inside their vehicles.

Over the two days in Belmont County, 467 vehicles were stopped. In all, 28 criminal cases and 30 drug cases were uncovered, including what officials said is a major case out of Bellaire.

"It just shows what the sharing of information and intelligence between the departments that made the entire operation successful," said Bellaire Police Chief Mike Kovalyk.

A stolen motorcycle was recovered and two all-terrain vehicles were seized. Eighteen warrants were served, eight drivers were charged with operating under the influence, 19 were served with driving under suspension and 312 warnings were dished out.

Belmont County Prosecutor Chris Berhalter said more than $3,000 was seized from the operation and is believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.

Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland said, "It was a giant help having the highway patrol involved and the resources they provided for us."

State Highway Patrol Lt. Jeff LaRoche said since it's the first time an Operation Shield has been conducted in Belmont County, "It's a learning process for us. We hope our future operations are better. They don't necessarily have to be bigger, but better."

Law enforcement officials said they hope this won't be the last operation of its kind in Belmont County.