Merced’s police gang unit make drug, gun arrests

Merced Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit made multiple arrests Friday, including two that landed men in jail on suspicion of gun and drug offenses.

Police served a search warrant in the 7300 block of Reece Wade Court in Winton on Friday after receiving information that 38-year-old Osbaldo Martinez was selling crystal methamphetamine from his home.

Officers found a digital scale, packaging used for drugs and about 1 pound of crystal methamphetamine in the home, police said.

Martinez was booked into jail on suspicion of selling methamphetamine. He was released early Saturday after posting $20,000 bond.

The Gang Violence Suppression Unit also contacted another Merced felon in possession of a gun.

Officers found Francisco “Cisco” Lopez, 27, at his Merced home in the 2100 block of Yosemite Parkway. Lopez had two guns inside of his home.

He was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition and for participating in street gang activity.

Merced Police Department encourages residents to report any criminal activity to the tip line at 209-385-4725. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published June 27, 2016 at 9:56 AM with the headline "Merced’s police gang unit make drug, gun arrests."