SANTA CRUZ—Two Santa Cruz men were arrested March 12 during a traffic stop after police found them in possession of guns, open containers of alcohol and illegal drugs.
Clyde Ortega, 28, and Mauricio Morales, 22, were charged with a variety of weapons and narcotic crimes. They were booked into county jail, but neither were in custody on March 18.
Agents from the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT) made the arrests around 6:18pm at Mission Street and Chrystal Terrace after conducting a traffic stop on a white Honda for having tinted windows.
During a search, agents recovered two loaded non-serialized firearms in backpacks belonging to Ortega, who is thought to be the driver.
Both men are known Sureno gang members, the SCCAT said in a press release.
About 7 grams of Methamphetamine and a police scanner were recovered.
A 28-year-old female passenger was released at the scene, SCCAT said in a press release.
Anyone with information is asked to call 831-768-6515.
