POINTE COUPEE PARISH - In what the sheriff's office called one of the largest drug busts in parish history, twelve were arrested for several drug-related charges after a months-long investigation.

The Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI and State Police for a seven-month-long investigation into a New Roads-area drug trafficking organization, in which several search and arrest warrants were enacted.

Authorities initiated the investigation last December following reports that 43-year-old Elie Edwards was selling heroin and methamphetamine in the parish. It was later confirmed that Edwards was leading the drug ring with eleven other members.

Throughout the investigation, deputies and investigators seized three firearms including an AR-15, 18 pounds of heroin, a little over a pound each of cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic marijuana, four pounds of marijuana and 25 grams of pressed pills.

The following individuals were arrested:

- Elie Edwards, 43, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy-distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana/synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, schedule IV (felony), distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS - methamphetamine (felony), distribution/possession with intent to distribute
marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids felony), illegal possession of stolen firearms (felony), possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted or certain felonies (felony)

- David Hayes, 42, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy (felony), distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin (felony), prohibited acts - schedule II (felony), and prohibited acts - schedule IV (felony)

- Shannon Labatut, 43, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy - distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana/synthetic cannabinoids (felony), distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids (felony), distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin (felony)

- Jerlanda Foster, 31, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy (felony)

- Loretta Dobard, 53, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy (felony), malfeasance in office (felony)

- Mary Victorian, 36, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy (felony), transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses

- William Tynes, 61, of Ethel: distribution/possession with intent to distribute narcotic drugs listed in schedule I (felony), and prohibited acts - schedule IV, penalties (felony)

- Bryan Francois, 32, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy - distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS (felony)

- Darrel Harris, 30, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy - distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule I and schedule II CDS (felony)

- Joshua Gustin, 41, of Ventress: attempt and conspiracy - distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule I and schedule II CDS (felony)

- Leighann Kirby, 34, of Jarreau: attempt and conspiracy - prohibited acts - schedule II, obstruction of justice - evidence tampering

- Michael A. Edwards, 40, of New Roads: attempt and conspiracy to distribution of schedule II CDS

WBRZ confirmed one of the twelve people arrested was a part-time employee with the New Roads Police Department.

The PCSO said additional arrests are expected in the investigation.