Dallas, TX — A Dallas-area man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after authorities discovered a methamphetamine operation inside a home where two children were living.
Victor Manuel Gaona, 29, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On March 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Ada E. Brown sentenced Gaona to 240 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant on June 18, 2024, at a residence on Ben Hur Street in Dallas that had been linked to drug trafficking activity.
During the search, agents discovered a clandestine methamphetamine recrystallization laboratory inside the home.
Investigators said the lab contained liquid, intermediate-stage and finished methamphetamine along with equipment used to process drugs, including a propane tank, large burner, sieves, gloves and large plastic baggies.
Authorities also found additional finished methamphetamine in a bedroom shared by Gaona and co-defendant Epifanio Flores Magana.
Heroin packaged for distribution was located in a utility closet beneath children’s luggage.
Officials said two minor children were living in the 952-square-foot residence where the drug operation was taking place.
Court records indicate Gaona was ultimately held responsible for nearly 100,000 kilograms of narcotics when calculated under federal drug weight guidelines.
Co-defendant Omar Castro-Sandoval, who was present when agents executed the search warrant, was previously sentenced to 168 months in federal prison on January 20, 2026.
Flores Magana is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2026.
