LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo. -- Floating the Niangua is a popular summer activity in the Ozarks.
So much fun, it started drawing in crowds from around the state, but, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division says it's not all in good fun.
People are taking part in dangerous and illegal activities such as drugs, illegal alcohol and lewd behavior.
Thousands of people float the Niangua River every summer.
With the huge number of people and the way some of them act, law enforcement is putting on the pressure.
"You get the same behavior over and over again," said Trooper Mike Adams with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Trooper Mike Adams says the Water Patrol is trying to stop some of them and they're teaming up with the Missouri Conservation Department to set-up check points along the river.
"We'll make contact with the raft as they come down past us," said Trooper Adams.
They spot illegal behavior such as alcohol and drug abuse and littering.
"The majority of it is alcohol. You get minors in possession and intoxicated minors. Alcohol is a problem. We also get a few drug arrests when we're down here," said Trooper Adams.
Two men were arrested after troopers found methamphetamines in their canoe.
Trooper Adams says the Missouri State Highway Patrol has enforced the river for years to make it more family friendly.
Some floaters just come out to enjoy the great outdoors, but their G-rated activities can take an R-rated turn depending on who is in the next canoe.
"There's a lot of drinking and other substances and a lot of people partially clothed. I'm glad our 11-year-old wasn't with us today," said Andrea Wyatt, river floater.
The patrol says that's why they've stepped in, but others say it's all in good fun.
"We're just hanging out with friends going to have a good time," said Rocky Vazquez, river floater.
"I see people falling out of their canoe being to drunk," said Casey Carter, river floater.
The patrol says they are not trying to drown out the fun for these floaters, but they know if they let up things will quickly get out of control.
"We know as soon as we let up problems are going to start flaring back up again and the fact we are still getting those problems occurring we know we have to keep up the pressure," said Trooper Adams.
Trooper Mike Adams says late evening is when they fine floaters the most and more arrests are made.
The patrol had to break up two fights at a party on a gravel bar with more than 200 people and two people were arrested.
Trooper Mike Adams says they will continue to patrol the river for the summer
So much fun, it started drawing in crowds from around the state, but, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division says it's not all in good fun.
People are taking part in dangerous and illegal activities such as drugs, illegal alcohol and lewd behavior.
Thousands of people float the Niangua River every summer.
With the huge number of people and the way some of them act, law enforcement is putting on the pressure.
"You get the same behavior over and over again," said Trooper Mike Adams with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Trooper Mike Adams says the Water Patrol is trying to stop some of them and they're teaming up with the Missouri Conservation Department to set-up check points along the river.
"We'll make contact with the raft as they come down past us," said Trooper Adams.
They spot illegal behavior such as alcohol and drug abuse and littering.
"The majority of it is alcohol. You get minors in possession and intoxicated minors. Alcohol is a problem. We also get a few drug arrests when we're down here," said Trooper Adams.
Two men were arrested after troopers found methamphetamines in their canoe.
Trooper Adams says the Missouri State Highway Patrol has enforced the river for years to make it more family friendly.
Some floaters just come out to enjoy the great outdoors, but their G-rated activities can take an R-rated turn depending on who is in the next canoe.
"There's a lot of drinking and other substances and a lot of people partially clothed. I'm glad our 11-year-old wasn't with us today," said Andrea Wyatt, river floater.
The patrol says that's why they've stepped in, but others say it's all in good fun.
"We're just hanging out with friends going to have a good time," said Rocky Vazquez, river floater.
"I see people falling out of their canoe being to drunk," said Casey Carter, river floater.
The patrol says they are not trying to drown out the fun for these floaters, but they know if they let up things will quickly get out of control.
"We know as soon as we let up problems are going to start flaring back up again and the fact we are still getting those problems occurring we know we have to keep up the pressure," said Trooper Adams.
Trooper Mike Adams says late evening is when they fine floaters the most and more arrests are made.
The patrol had to break up two fights at a party on a gravel bar with more than 200 people and two people were arrested.
Trooper Mike Adams says they will continue to patrol the river for the summer
