Area law enforcement arrested seven people in Austin Wednesday as part of a three-month investigation into a local heroin distribution ring with ties to Chicago criminals.

Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger said the police department, Mower County Sheriff’s deputies and members of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team (SEMVCET) are also looking for several more suspects in connection with the ring. Among those arrested are:

—Perry Black, 24, of Chicago, on one count of third-degree sale of drugs.

—Albert Cannon, 56, on six counts of third-degree sale of drugs.

—Steven Davis, 31, on one count of third-degree sale of drugs.

—Isaiah Wagner, 30, on one count of third-degree sale of drugs.

—Nicholas Miller, 26, on one count of third-degree sale of drugs.

—Tempest Haymore, 27, on two counts of third-degree sale of drugs.

—Verna Cannon, 51, on one count of possession with intent to distribute, storing drugs in the presence of a child and possession of cocaine.

Officers also seized six cars and $3,529 in cash. All suspects were taken to the Mower County Jail pending formal charges. Davis was arrested last August during a joint sting between area law enforcement agencies against heroin dealers.