A Mexican national identified by federal authorities as a key figure in a major drug trafficking operation has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Raymundo Bernal Saucedo, 33, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. On March 11, 2026, U.S. District Judge Ada E. Brown sentenced him to 480 months in federal prison.
Federal prosecutors said Bernal played a top leadership role in a Dallas-Fort Worth distribution network connected to brokers based in Michoacán, Mexico.
According to court records, Homeland Security Task Force agents began investigating distribution cells operating in North Texas. The investigation led to a controlled purchase of two kilograms of methamphetamine by a DEA confidential source. Following surveillance and the execution of a search warrant at a storage unit, agents seized 77 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, along with multiple firearms and a drug ledger.
Investigators identified Bernal as the individual overseeing the local distribution cell. Authorities said the operation not only distributed bulk quantities of methamphetamine but also converted liquid methamphetamine into its final form for sale.
Court documents state Bernal was directly involved in the conversion process, acquiring materials such as pots, chemicals, buckets, and fillers used to produce the drug. He also admitted to possessing firearms to further his trafficking operation.
Federal agents utilized wiretaps on Bernal and his co-conspirators as part of the investigation. Authorities also discovered Bernal was involved in smuggling contraband into jail facilities in Tennessee.
In total, Bernal was held responsible for nearly 2 million kilograms of methamphetamine when calculated as converted drug weight.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said the sentence reflects the work of federal agents targeting transnational drug trafficking networks in North Texas.
“This lengthy sentence is directly attributable to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, and we will continue to pursue the full measure of justice against those who traffic this poison in our communities,” Raybould said.
DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker said the case highlights the agency’s ongoing commitment to dismantling large-scale drug operations.
“The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local partners, remains committed to dismantling transnational criminal organizations and protecting our communities,” Tucker said.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added that the investigation demonstrates the impact of coordinated efforts through the Dallas Homeland Security Task Force.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Task Force with assistance from federal, state, and local partners.
