March 31, 2026 – Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office officials report that detectives and deputies from across the sheriff's office collaborated to uncover and stop a drug trafficking operation responsible for attempting to smuggle contraband into jail facilities. Two suspects were ultimately arrested during a coordinated operation.

The investigation began in January after deputies at the Elmwood Correctional Complex discovered a series of contraband and drug drops. Over several weeks, approximately 650 grams of packaged methamphetamine, along with marijuana and tobacco, were thrown over perimeter fences or found inside the facility and intercepted by deputies.

Deputies from the Jail Intelligence Unit worked closely with the lead detective Sergeant Rickey Young to identify how the drops were being coordinated. Sergeant Young then authored multiple search warrants aimed at identifying those involved. After reviewing digital evidence and analyzing key information, detectives established probable cause and secured arrest warrants for two primary suspects: Lim Vo, 55, and Long Nguyen, 41, of San Jose.

“This case is a prime example of how our teams, detectives, and deputies work hand in hand to share information and act quickly,” Assistant Sheriff Adam Oberdorfer said. “When information moves quickly across bureaus and divisions, we’re able to stop dangerous activity before it harms people inside or outside our facilities.”

In mid-February, detectives and the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) served a search warrant at a residence on the 3400 block of Gradell Place in San Jose. The operation focused on detaining the identified suspects and uncovering evidence tied to drug sales, as well as identifying additional associates connected to the jail smuggling operation.

During the search, detectives seized prescription pills packaged for sale, stolen checks and IDs, mail and mail keys, drug paraphernalia, 20 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of heroin, and four illegal gambling machines. Both Vo and Nguyen were arrested.

“Sergeant Young did an outstanding job leading this investigation and drafting the warrants that brought the pieces together,” Assistant Sheriff Oberdorfer said. “These arrests send a clear message that attempts to smuggle drugs into our facilities will not be tolerated.”

With assistance from patrol deputies, both suspects were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges that include selling controlled substances to incarcerated individuals, possession of methamphetamine for sale, and identity theft.

Source & photos: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office