PORTLAND — A Florida man who acknowledged to being the mastermind behind a drug distribution ring in northern Maine is headed to federal prison for more than 12 years.

Federal prosecutors say 56-year-old Michael Mayer of Jupiter, Fla., and Costa Rica is one of 21 people who have admitted to being a part of a ring that sought to distribute more than 10 pounds of cocaine and prescription pain killers.

He was sentenced Wednesday.

Mayer pleaded guilty last June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Mayer was arrested in Costa Rica and extradited to Maine in October 2008.

The Bangor Daily News says U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby said it was one of the most significant drug conspiracy cases he’s presided over.


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