Two men arrested on drug violations in East Merced

Two men were arrested after Merced police officers found methamphetamine and marijuana in a vehicle. Miguel Guizar, 28, of Planada, and Joshua Bassett, 31, of Merced, were booked into Merced County Jail late Friday night, police said.

Officers were checking out a suspicious vehicle in the area of East 22nd Street and Keely Avenue, an area known to be high in drug activity, according to police. Bassett and Guizar were near the vehicle.

Bassett had an outstanding warrant out for his arrest and was taken into custody. Guizar tried to leave and ditch a large back of meth, but was detained by officers. A search of the vehicle revealed an ounce of meth, police said.

Guizar, who was already on parole for narcotics violations, was booked on suspicion of drug violations and violating his parole.

-- Brandon Bowers