A man described by federal prosecutors as a ringleader in a drug-trafficking operation in southwest Virginia has been sentenced to 27 years and six months in prison.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for western Virginia said Tuesday 57-year-old Lonnie Edward Malone was sentenced for possession of a sawed-off shotgun and conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to the government, agents seized loaded firearms, methamphetamine and $53,000 in cash during an April 2007 raid at Malone's residence in Washington County.

Prosecutors said Malone had numerous "subdistributors" of methamphetamine and sold more than five kilograms of the powerful stimulant in Washington and Smyth counties between January 2005 and April 2006.

A co-defendant was already was sentenced to prison.