A federal judge sentenced Fernando Chaidez, 46, to 30 years in federal prison after his conviction on April 1, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm used in furtherance of drug trafficking. The sentencing took place in New Bern, North Carolina, on July 13.
The case began when Customs and Border Enforcement intercepted a package from Guerrero, Mexico, destined for Duplin County containing flip-flops lined with approximately 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine. A controlled delivery led law enforcement agencies including the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) to arrest Stephen Darden after he accepted the package. Shortly afterward, Chaidez arrived at Darden’s home and was also arrested. A search of Chaidez’s vehicle revealed additional methamphetamine and evidence linking him to his Wayne County residence, where authorities found more cut-open flip-flops suspected of previously holding drugs as well as several firearms including an AR-15 rifle.
Chaidez had prior convictions dating back to 2010 related to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine. He was released from prison in 2022 but resumed distributing large quantities—over 154 pounds—of meth until his federal arrest in 2023. Darden received a sentence of three years and four months for his role.
“The successful prosecution of Fernando Chaidez removes a significant quantity of methamphetamine and multiple firearms from our streets,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of HSI Carolinas. “This investigation highlights the grave dangers posed by the illicit drug trade and the tenacity of our agents to hold offenders accountable. This sentence sends a clear message that Homeland Security Investigations will continue to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to profit from the distribution of poison in our neighborhoods.” Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce said, “This is the result of hard work and strong partnerships between every agency involved in this investigation. When we work together, we send a clear message that crime won’t be tolerated in our communities… we’ll continue working every day to keep Wayne County safe.” SBI Director Chip Hawley added, “Four agencies, one case, one Cartel trafficker who was moving meth through eastern North Carolina and is now going to prison for 30 years… This is what great partnerships and outstanding teamwork does.”
This prosecution falls under Operation Tsunami Rising as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159 aimed at combating criminal cartels operating within U.S. borders through interagency collaboration targeting crimes such as human smuggling or child trafficking.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan; agencies involved included HSI, Customs and Border Patrol Enforcement, FBI along with local sheriff’s offices.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District prosecutes federal crimes across communities such as Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Wilmington while promoting safety initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods; it operates under Department Of Justice oversight covering areas including major military installations according to the official website.