FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after authorities seized more than 244 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with heroin, cocaine and multiple firearms during a drug trafficking investigation.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas announced that 31-year-old Evaristo Hidrogo was sentenced on June 26, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor.
Hidrogo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance after investigators recovered more than 244 kilograms of methamphetamine with a reported purity of 100 percent, along with other illegal drugs and three firearms.
According to court records, the investigation began on Nov. 18, 2025, when Hidrogo led law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit.
Authorities said Hidrogo continued fleeing even after crashing into another vehicle before he was ultimately taken into custody.
During his arrest, officers recovered approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine from his person. A search of his vehicle uncovered an additional 823 grams of methamphetamine, 301 grams of heroin, 55 grams of cocaine and two firearms.
The investigation expanded to two additional locations connected to Hidrogo.
At a Fort Worth storage facility, agents seized approximately 244 kilograms of methamphetamine with a reported purity level of 100 percent.
A search of a residence linked to Hidrogo resulted in the seizure of approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, two kilograms of heroin and another firearm.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said the sentence sends a strong message to drug traffickers operating in North Texas.
"This lengthy prison sentence serves as a warning to anyone distributing narcotics in the Northern District of Texas," Raybould said. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug traffickers, as we remain committed to make the communities in which we live safer."
DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker said the sentence demonstrates the consequences for those responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the region.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Fort Worth District Office with assistance from the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Garland prosecuted the case.
