Leader of D-FW meth trafficking cell sentenced to 40 years in prison, feds say
A Mexican national was sentenced last Wednesday to 40 years in federal prison for his role in running a North Texas-area methamphetamine distribution cell, U.S attorneys said.
Raymundo Bernal Saucedo pled guilty in Oct. 2024 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting, according to a statement from U.S. attorney Ryan Raybould’s office.
Homeland Security agents identified Saucedo as the leader of the Arlington-area cell after an investigation into cells in the area with ties to brokers in Mexico, according to the statement. The brokers arranged for the cell to deliver 2 kilograms of methamphetamine to a confidential source with the Drug Enforcement Agency.
After the controlled purchase and the execution of a search warrant at a storage unit, agents seized 77 kilograms of the drug, multiple firearms and a drug ledger, officials said.
Members of the cell that Saucedo led were responsible for not only distributing bulk methamphetamine, but also converting liquid meth into its finished form. Saucedo was “actively involved” in that conversion process and acquired materials to make it happen, according to the statement.
In addition to Bernal’s involvement in drug trafficking in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, investigators also found him responsible for smuggling contraband into Tennessee jails, officials said. All in all, Bernal was held responsible for 1,946,000 kilograms of methamphetamine calculated as converted drug weight.
“This sentence demonstrates that those who traffic dangerous quantities of methamphetamine into North Texas will be held accountable,” said Joseph B. Tucker, the special agent in charge of the DEA Dallas field division. “The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local partners remain committed to dismantling transnational criminal organizations and protecting our communities from this poison.”
