Wanted federal felons arrested on Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — Four people who were wanted on federal charges were arrested on Wednesday in connection with a raid at a Soap Lake residence that turned up drugs and guns.

Two Moses Lake Police Department officers participated in a U.S. Marshals Violent Offenders Task Force operation that took place yesterday. Four fugitives who were wanted on federal weapons charges were arrested in connection with the operation, according to Capt. Mike Williams.

The MLPD officers obtained a search warrant for a residence and vehicle in the 500 block of Main Street in Soap Lake. Arrested during the serving of the warrant was Adan Mercado, 39. Police reportedly recovered over a pound of heroin, almost a pound of methamphetamine and three illegally possessed firearms during the serving of the warrant. In addition, two vehicles and over $5,800 in cash was seized.

Four people in total were taken into custody in connection with the operation: Mercado, April E. Nunez, 28, of Quincy, Alberto N. Nunez, 39, of Quincy, and Sergio Mendoza, 22, of Quincy. The suspects were previously federally indicted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on weapons and drug charges. Williams said federal agents previously purchased guns, drugs and a hand grenade from the suspects, all of whom have been transported to Spokane for arraignment on federal charges.

Mercado is facing additional weapons and drug charges in connection with the Soap Lake search and seizure.

“The Moses Lake Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office have officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Violent Offenders Task Force. In addition to the Task Force, the BATF, the Border Patrol and the Quincy Police Department participated in the operation yesterday,” Williams said.