DES MOINES, Iowa - Eleven Iowans are among 14 people in a multi-state drug trafficking ring who've pleaded guilty or been found guilty in federal court.
The drug trafficking scheme, which also included firearms and money laundering violations, was fronted by 23-year-old Robert Lampe of Waukee and 20-year-old Mason Snyder of Des Moines. The two operated a drug distribution business out of numerous Des Moines area residences..
Lampe and Snyder obtained a large quantity of Marijuana from three people in the Minneapolis area, and a large amount of cocaine from two people in the Des Moines area.
At least five people assisted Lampe and Snyder in their drug distribution operation. The two used their drug proceeds to purchase various items, including vehicles and a residence in Des Moines.
A federal investigation resulted in search warrants at five locations in metro Des Moines and one in the Minneapolis area.
Investigators concluded the organization distributed more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and over 500 grams of cocaine in Southern Iowa between April 2018 and January 2019.
The organization also possessed multiple firearms. More than $140,000 was seized in the investigation, as well as multiple vehicles and two residences.
Twelve of the 14 defendants in the case have been sentenced. Snyder has been sentenced to 120-months in federal prison, while Lampe is getting 73-months. 29-year-old Tan Fong Vang Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was sentenced to 170 months.
The other individuals sentenced in the operation were given penalties ranging from 70 months in federal prison to probation.