Lake Forest Man Arrested in Heroin and Handgun Case

A Lake Forest man pulled over for a missing license plate was arrested after deputies stopped his BMW in Portola Hills and allegedly found drugs, a gun and 355 rounds of ammunition, authorities said.

Adam Hoang Vu, 27, was driving on the 28600 block of Malabar Road, near La Quinta Drive, at about 1:30 p.m. Friday when he was pulled over by two deputies in an unmarked police car. 

A 19-year-old Lake Forest woman was in the front seat and a 17-year-old Lake Forest boy was in the back.

According to deputies, the 17-year-old told them he was on probation. Near him, they reportedly found a black gun holster, gun cleaner, shooting targets and a blue drinking straw lined with a white crystaline substance.

Deputies said they also found pieces of burnt tin foil, a pen tube and a lighter in the car.

According to deputies, Vu said his glove box and trunk were locked, and that he didn't have the key. Deputies found the key to both in a fob on a lanyard in the car and allegedly discovered a .22-caliber handgun, a loaded ammunition clip and some loose rounds.

The gun was registered to Vu, deputies said.

Deputies put Vu in handcuffs and, while searching him, allegedly discovered an Altoids tin containing 2 grams of heroin and 1/3 gram of methamphetamine in a small black bag tied to a drawstring in his shorts.

They also said they found a glass meth pipe and about $2,900 cash on him.

A search of the rest of the car allegedly turned up 2 more grams of heroin and "ammunition everywhere," adding up to 355 rounds total, sheriff's Sgt. Angel Andrade said.

Vu was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of heroin, methemphetamine, drug paraphenalia and an unloaded handgun.

His passengers were released at the scene.

Vu was in custody on $20,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.