A federal judge in Houston on Wednesday sentenced 32-year-old Isaias Gallegos of Sugar Land.
Gallegos earlier pleaded guilty 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 goes back to 2009 and the overall seizure of more than $1.8 million. Investigators say 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.
