SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A former Syracuse man has been sentenced for his part in the large-scale distribution of cocaine by mail. The U.S. attorney said Jimmie Henry, 42, was the leader of the ring, which operated from 2005 through 2008.

Authorities said Henry, or those acting at his direction, mailed up to 50 kilograms of cocaine from California to co-conspirators in Syracuse. The group was caught when a drug-sniffing dog alerted authorities to a suspicious package in Syracuse containing about $28,000 worth of cocaine.

Henry will spend more than 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. Five other people have also been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.