SKANEATELES, N.Y. -- A former Skaneateles drug house has sold at auction for $1.5 million.

The house was formerly owned by Charles Blomquist, 52, who was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to money laundering and tax fraud charges stemming from illegal drug trafficking. As part of his sentencing, Blomquist was forced to turn over his lakefront mansion paid for by drug money to the government.

Tuesday, the home was auctioned off by the IRS.

"We wouldn't be here if the government weren't doing their jobs, so I'm happy that they're doing that and they're changing the money over into the right hands," said Mike Lewis, CWS Marketing Region Sales Manager.

Syracuse developer and landlord Cosimo Zavaglia beat out three other bidders at the auction. He plans to finish the house, which was still under construction and put it back on the market.