Deputies at Santa Clara County jails have been busy since the turn of the new year, with their hands full of interrupting several drug smuggling attempts. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies at Elmwood Correctional Complex recently intercepted a package with around 25 grams of what they suspect to be methamphetamine.
Through routine checks and the aid of a K9 Unit, the deputies uncovered more contraband – nearly 400 grams of suspected meth, along with other illicit items, including synthetic marijuana, tobacco, and a vape pen. The estimated street value of the drugs seized adds up to about $16,000, Assistant Sheriff Michelle Asban noted. "These incidents directly impact the safety of our facilities and the well-being of our staff and those incarcerated," according to a statement obtained by the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office.
But it's not just one facility facing these challenges. Over at the Main Jail, more drugs were found inside two separate cells, including handmade cigarettes, a white powder substance, and bindles containing a brownish-orange substance believed to be THC. Further inspection revealed that one individual had secreted additional contraband on their person, which was detected by a body scan.
These sweeping searches have resulted in at least six seizures of drugs and related items this month alone, shining a light on the continuous struggle to maintain safety behind bars. Assistant Sheriff Asban highlighted the implications of these discoveries, saying, "These increasing attempts to bypass security showcase the critical need to monitor every inch of our facilities and invest in opportunities to make them safer," from the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office report.
In response to these repeated breaches, the Sheriff's Office is considering the deployment of advanced technology to bolster facility defense and enhance the staff's ability to spot suspicious activities.
