Santa Clara County deputies bust alleged “drug pipeline” into jail facility; 2 arrested

By Tim Fang

Two men from San Jose have been arrested on multiple felony charges for an alleged drug trafficking operation into a jail facility in Santa Clara County.

On Monday, the sheriff’s office released details about the operation, which they described as a “drug pipeline” into the Elmwood Correctional Complex in Milpitas. Deputies said an investigation began in January following a series of contraband and drug drops into the facility.

According to the sheriff’s office, about 650 grams of packaged methamphetamine, along with cannabis and tobacco that were thrown over fences or found inside the facility over several weeks.

During an investigation with the Jail Intelligence Unit and detectives, two primary suspects were identified and search and arrest warrants were issued.

In February, deputies served a warrant at a home on Gradell Place in East San Jose. During the search, prescription pills packaged for sale, 20 grams of methamphetamine and a “small amount” of heroin was seized. Along with the drugs, deputies also seized stolen checks, mail, mail keys and four illegal gambling machines.

Both suspects, identified as 55-year-old Lim Vo and 41-year-old Long Nguyen, were arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail.

“These arrests send a clear message that attempts to smuggle drugs into our facilities will not be tolerated,” Assistant Sheriff Adam Oberdorfer said in a statement.

Vo and Nguyen are facing multiple charges, including selling controlled substances to inmates, possession of methamphetamine for sale, along with identity theft.