Two arrested after gun, suspected drugs found during Santa Nella vehicle stop, deputies say

A driver and passenger were arrested after a traffic stop near Santa Nella led to the discovery of suspected drugs and a firearm.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Noel Abran Chavez and 30-year-old Juana Andrea Mirabal, were arrested during the traffic stop over the weekend.

Lt. Chuck Hale said a deputy stopped a Honda sedan, driven by Chavez, for minor vehicle code violations on south Highway 33 at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Mirabal was a passenger in the vehicle, Hale said.

During the vehicle stop, deputies were able to conduct an investigation which led to the discovery of what authorities described as a “substantial amount” of suspected methamphetamine, a handgun, ammunition consisting of multiple calibers, items associated with narcotics sales and burglary tools, according to Hale.

Chavez and Mirabal were booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony carrying loaded firearm with prior felony conviction, carry a loaded firearm not registered owner, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, convicted felon carrying concealed weapon, possession for sale and transport or sale of controlled substance, according to jail records.

Chavez was also charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and driving on suspended license while Mirabal was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, jail records show.

Chavez remains in custody at the John Latoracca Correctional Center in lieu of $411,080 bond, while Mirabal remains in custody at the John Latoracca Correctional Center in lieu of $395,000 bond, according to jail records.

This story was originally published February 11, 2020 at 9:43 AM.