Menlo Park Man Accused In Jail Drug Smuggling Plot

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Four Peninsula residents are accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into a San Mateo County jail last month, according to the sheriff's office.

Investigators said they learned that someone incarcerated at the Maguire Correctional Facility planned to move drugs into the jail during the rebooking process on April 23. The sheriff's office identified the inmate Thursday as Froylan Armenta, 23, of Pinole.

Acting on the information, investigators said they found methamphetamine on Armenta, which deputies intercepted and prevented from making it into the jail. Armenta was booked into jail on suspicion of possession of meth for sale, transportation of meth and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Officials said further investigation revealed three additional suspects involved in the plot, who were arrested on the suspicion of the same charges. The sheriff's office identified the other suspects as Guillermo Flores, 31, of Menlo Park, Christopher Merlo, 32, of San Mateo, and Ivette Duran, 34, of South San Francisco.

"The sheriff's office works diligently to ensure a safe custodial environment for our incarcerated population," officials said Thursday. "This includes doing everything possible to prevent the flow of illegal items and substances from entering our facilities."