LAS VEGAS -- A Las Vegas man accused of illegally transporting prescription painkillers to Alaska faces 15 years in prison.

The U.S. Attorney in Nevada says 28-year-old Nicholas Ghafouria pleaded guilty to money laundering, conspiracy and criminal forfeiture charges on Monday. He agreed to spend 15 years in prison but will be officially sentenced in January.

Prosecutors say he's also being ordered to turn over about $1.2 million in cash and property he gained in the operation, which sold the pills for about $65 each.

In his plea agreement, Ghafouria admitted to a conspiracy to distribute 4,000 oxycodone pills in cities in Alaska. Prosecutors say the trafficking ring involved sending the pills in packages and having couriers transport them on airplanes.

Twenty-seven people have been charged in the ring.