NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – Two brothers were sentenced to prison Tuesday for operating an illegal drug ring that sent the painkiller OxyContin to Connecticut and the Boston area.

Michael and Nicholas Gallicchio were among five people, including their father, who pleaded guilty in November to trafficking the narcotic from April 2002 to November 2004.

All admitted that the group bought pills in the Newark area and took them to New England where they were sold to other drug dealers.

Michael Gallicchio, 37, of North Arlington, was sentenced to nine years in prison. Nicholas Gallicchio, 39, of Newark, got a term of 7 years and three months in prison.

U.S. District Judge Joel A. Pisano ordered both to surrender by June 1.

Awaiting sentencing next month is Louis Gallicchio Sr., 64; Nicholas Gallicchio’s girlfriend, Gabriella Amarilla, 28, and Eric Love, 26; all of Newark, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald D. Wigler.

Louis Gallicchio and Love have been held without bail since their arrests in June 2005, while the others remain free pending sentencing.

As part of the plea deals, Louis Gallicchio agreed to forfeit his home, while Michael Gallicchio forfeited $75,000.

AP-ES-04-25-06 1707EDT