INDIANAPOLIS -- Authorities say a series of federal drug indictments has dried up a major source of the cocaine trade in Indianapolis and Chicago.

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Video: Charges Follow 2-Year Investigation

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Grand jurors on Tuesday indicted 17 people who investigators say were involved in a drug cartel that smuggled cocaine from Mexico and California to Chicago and Indianapolis. U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks announced the charges Wednesday at a news conference in Indianapolis.

Another person was indicted on accusations of being an accessory by hindering the arrest of a trafficking suspect. In a previous indictment, two other people were charged with having involvement in the cartel.

"This investigation marks the final chapter in the dismantlement of a significant drug organization that reached from Guadalajara, Mexico, all the way to the east side streets of Indianapolis," said Dennis Wichern of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Seven of those indicted are still at large. The rest -- including Juan Carlos Bermudez, a Mexican who is accused of leading the cartel -- are in custody.

Officials say the group hired couriers to smuggle cocaine and money between Mexico and the Midwest in vehicles outfitted with secret compartments.

The indictments allege that in a four-month period last year, the cartel smuggled more than 60 kilograms of cocaine -- worth about $6.6 million -- to Indianapolis

The indictments follow an investigation called Operation Money Clip, which began after federal officials in Chicago seized more than $1.1 million worth of cocaine in October 2003, authorities said.

Authorities said a duplex on the 1300 block of Tecumseh Street in Indianapolis was one of the group's main stash houses in the city, RTV6's Tanya Spencer reported.

Most of those indicted could face up to life in prison if they're convicted.

The following people were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine:

Juan Carlos Bermudez, of Mexico (in custody)

Javier Rodriguez, 36, of Indianapolis (in custody)

Jose Calderon, 33, of Indianapolis (in custody)

Luis Correa, age unknown, of southern California and Mexico (wanted)

Jose Alfredo Amaral-Estrada, 25, of Chicago (in custody)

Veronica Avila, 31, of southern California (in custody)

Jose Iribe, 24, of Mexico (in custody)

Leon Anderson, 32, of Indianapolis (in custody)

Charles Anderson, 34, of Indianapolis (in custody)

Andres Butron, 32, of Chicago (in custody)

Jose Zavala, 21, of Indianapolis and Mexico (wanted)

Freddy Adan Sosa-Verdeja, 26, of Chicago and Mexico (wanted)

Evarardo Lira-Esquivel, 40, of Chicago (in custody)

Darrell Phillips, 33, of Indianapolis (wanted)

Willie Powell, 34, of Indianapolis (wanted)

Robert Miller, 39, of Indianapolis (wanted)

Eddie Cunningham, 32, of Indianapolis (wanted)

The following were indicted earlier on allegations of having involvement in the cartel:

Kenneth Davenport, 29, of Indianapolis (in custody)

Maria Garnica, 49, of southern California (in custody)

PDF: Operation Money Clip (From U.S. Attorney's Office)