THE BREAKDOWN: Evaristo Hidrogo, 31, of Fort Worth, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after a November 2025 high-speed chase led law enforcement to a massive stash of drugs and firearms. Investigators eventually uncovered over 244 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine, alongside kilograms of heroin and cocaine, linked to Hidrogo across his vehicle, a residence, and a storage facility.
On June 26, 2026, Chief United States District Judge Reed O’Connor sentenced 31-year-old Evaristo Hidrogo of Fort Worth to 40 years (480 months) in federal prison. The sentence followed Hidrogo’s conviction for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, specifically involving more than 244 kilograms of 100 percent pure methamphetamine, other narcotics, and three firearms.
The case stems from an incident on November 18, 2025, when Hidrogo engaged in a high-speed chase with law enforcement. During the pursuit, Hidrogo crashed into another vehicle but continued to flee before officers ultimately apprehended him.
A search during his arrest revealed 56 grams of methamphetamine on his person. Inside his vehicle, officers found an additional 823 grams of methamphetamine, 301 grams of heroin, 55 grams of cocaine, and two firearms.
The subsequent investigation led authorities to search two more locations connected to Hidrogo. At a Fort Worth storage facility, law enforcement seized 244 kilograms of 100 percent pure methamphetamine. At a separate residence, they uncovered approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and two kilograms of heroin, alongside a third firearm.
“This lengthy prison sentence serves as a warning to anyone distributing narcotics in the Northern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “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 also commented on the outcome, stating, “This 480-month sentence of Mr. Hidrogo sends an unmistakable message to those who flood North Texas communities with methamphetamine, you will be held accountable. The men and women of DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and dismantling the criminal organizations distributing this poison throughout the DFW Metroplex, and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our communities.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fort Worth District Office led the investigation, receiving assistance from the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Garland prosecuted the case.
READ: Federal Appeals Court In Georgia Upends Alabama Family Restrictions For Convicted Parents
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
