A New Iberia man is in custody for his role in a multi-million dollar drug ring that brought cocaine and other narcotics from Houston to the Teche Area, Western District United States Attorney Donald Washington said.

New Iberia’s Robert A. Colbert, 26, was one of seven people arrested Wednesday by agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency in the 700 Block of LaSalle Street in New Iberia. He is being held without bond and made his first appearance in U.S. District Court.

Three people, including Abdul Francois, 28, of St. Martinville, implicated in the conspiracy remain at large.

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Colbert has been charged with one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine, crack and other controlled substances and two counts of unlawful use of a communications facility, namely a cell phone, to facilitate the drug conspiracy.

A release from Washington details a multi-year investigation that gained steam July 13 when a 41-count sealed indictment was returned by the Western District of Louisiana Federal Grand Jury. The indictment included multiple counts of cocaine distribution and firearms violations.

The DEA had been investigating members of the drug trafficking ring, which was based in Beaux Bridge and Lafayette, for two years. The DEA and other agencies involved in the investigation said ring members were bringing cocaine and other narcotics into Louisiana from Houston.

According to the indictment, the organization was responsible for distributing the illegal narcotics throughout the Acadiana Area and also moving money derived from drug sales back to Houston.

Colbert also is facing one count of forfeiture, which is a request that requires the defendant to turn over to the U.S. Government the cash and drug proceeds that were seized during the operation.

Washington said drug proceeds from the criminal organization included approximately $3 million in cash, jewelry and other property.

Also named in the indictment are eight others, including six from Acadiana and two from Houston.

Colbert and the other defendants face a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, Washington said.

The arrests were part of a multi-agency investigation involving the sheriff offices from Iberia, Acadia, Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Mary and St. Landry parishes, as well the Lafayette Police Department, the Opelousas Police Department and the Louisiana National Guard.