HOUSTON (August 15, 2012)--Convicted cocaine trafficker and money launderer Isaias Gallegos, 32, of Sugar Land, was sentenced Wednesday to nearly 22 years in prison.

Gallegos earlier pleaded guilty in federal court in Houston to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting money laundering.

Authorities say nearly a dozen followers of Gallegos have been convicted and sent to prison in the case. Some are related to him.

Prosecutors say the case dates back to 2009 and involved the seizure of more than $1.8 million in drug money was transported from Houston to Mexico.

Searches in April 2010 led to the seizure of more than 300 pounds of cocaine, about $161,000, assault rifles, multiple vehicles and a Houston residence.