Federal Courts Sentence Iowa, Arkansas Meth Traffickers

Federal courts have sentenced two major methamphetamine traffickers: Austin Hansen of Reinbeck, Iowa, received 20 years in prison and ten years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after coordinating drug shipments and sending over $260,000 in proceeds to California. Authorities seized more than 5,000 grams of methamphetamine, additional drugs, cash, and a firearm from Hansen's operation. In Arkansas, Larry Douglas Cossey, a 59-year-old multi-convicted felon from Russellville, was sentenced to 22 years after admitting to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, with his sentence enhanced due to his career criminal status. Cossey's conviction involved evidence of drug sales to a confidential informant, traffic stops with drug and cash seizures, and firearm possession. Both sentences reflect ongoing federal and multi-agency efforts to disrupt major methamphetamine distribution networks. There is no parole in the federal system.