Major South Louisiana Drug Ring Leader Convicted After Massive Bust, Including Fentanyl

NEW ROADS, La. (KPEL News) - After a seven-month investigation into a major drug trafficking operation, a Pointe Coupee Parish jury has convicted a New Roads man on multiple drug and weapons charges.

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Elie T. Edwards, 46, was found guilty on Thursday of distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana, as well as illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

A Major Bust in Pointe Coupee Parish

The conviction stems from a 2022 investigation led by the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police. Over the course of seven months, law enforcement conducted multiple undercover drug buys, gathering evidence against Edwards and his operation.

In August 2022, authorities raided several locations, seizing:

• 18.6 pounds of heroin
• 1.2 pounds of methamphetamines
• 1.2 pounds of fentanyl (including fentanyl-laced synthetic marijuana)
• 4.4 pounds of marijuana

A total of 13 arrests were made in connection to the case, with Edwards being the first to stand trial.

Quick Verdict, Heavy Consequences

Edwards’ trial began earlier this month, and it didn’t take long for the jury to make up its mind. After just 43 minutes of deliberation, they returned guilty verdicts on the following counts:

• Possession with intent to distribute
• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, meth, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

DA Sends a Strong Message

Pointe Coupee District Attorney Tony Clayton made it clear that his office will aggressively prosecute drug traffickers in the region.

"We will not tolerate drug operations in our parishes. We will aggressively prosecute them to the fullest extent possible. Now that we have these convictions, this drug dealer will spend the rest of his life in prison, and we will prosecute his associates also," Clayton said. "Our citizens want safe and peaceful communities. I do too, and I can assure residents that the DA’s office will continue to make sure cases like this end very badly for the drug dealers."

Edwards is set to be sentenced on April 9, 2025.