2 arrested; weapons, drugs seized by Merced gang unit, police say

Merced gang investigators seized about 4 ounces of methamphetamine, along with illegal weapons, marijuana and other evidence linked to alleged narcotics sales, the Police Department reported.

Two people were arrested Saturday during separate searches of homes in Merced and Winton. The investigations were conducted by the Merced Gang Violence Suppression Unit, officers said in news releases.

Romelia Garcia-Aviles was arrested at a home in the 900 block of West Ninth Street in south Merced. Officers seized nearly 20 grams of methamphetamine from the home, as well as a sawed-off shotgun, 10 marijuana plants and 18 plastic bags each containing about 1 pound of clipped marijuana buds, police said.

Garcia-Aviles, 45, remained in custody Sunday at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility on more than $100,000 bail on suspicion of possession of narcotics for sale, possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana, cultivation of marijuana and conspiracy – all felonies, according to booking records.

Officers also on Saturday arrested 50-year-old William Holmes at a home in the 7200 block of Edyth Circle in Winton, police said.

Investigators, during a search of his home, found more than 3 ounces of methamphetamine, along with scales, packaging materials and more than $1,300 in cash. Police also seized two firearms, a stolen .38-caliber revolver and a loaded .22-caliber revolver, which they said Holmes is legally prohibited from possessing.

Holmes, who also was arrested last year on felony drug allegations, was booked into the Merced County jail on suspicion of felony weapons and drug-related allegations, according to jail records. He posted bail and was released from custody Saturday night.

This story was originally published August 7, 2016 at 1:11 PM with the headline "2 arrested; weapons, drugs seized by Merced gang unit, police say."