2 men nabbed on drug charges

MERCED -- Two men were arrested in the Livingston area by the Merced Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force this week for allegedly possessing 10 pounds of methamphetamine, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported Friday.

Agents served a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of G Street in Livingston about 8 p.m. Tuesday. During the service of the search warrant, agents reportedly recovered the methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $20,000.

They also seized about 20 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $80,000 and a large-caliber handgun, according to the sheriff's department.

During the operation, agents arrested Mario Villapudua, 39, and Armando Partida, 25, both of Livingston.

Villapudua was arrested and booked at the Merced County Jail on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, possessing marijuana for sale and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Villapudua was being held on $80,000 bail.

Partida was booked on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, possessing marijuana and an outstanding warrant. Partida was being held on $32,000 bail.

Both men were released after their bail was posted.