Crime & Safety

Meth Lab Found On Michigan State Campus, Man Arrested: Police

Police said the meth lab was found in an academic building on campus. That building remains closed until police ensure it is safe.

EAST LANSING, MI — A man was arrested after he was caught running a meth lab on the campus of Michigan State University, according to police.

Xin Tong, 31, was charged with malicious destruction of a building over $20,000, as well as operating/maintaining a lab involving methamphetamine.

He was placed in jail and given a $500,000 bond.

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Campus officers were investigating reports of property damage inside Wells Hall on Monday, according to police.

They determined the damage was caused by "criminal activity" and the hall was evacuated due to an unidentified chemical, according to police.

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Officers linked Tong to the incident. They found him inside the hall with sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone and butane.

Officials said the products were not explosive and are commonly found online and in retail stores.

Officials would not comment if Tong is a student at the university, staff member, or if he has any other connection with the school.

It was also unclear what damage was done to the building.

Campus officials said Wells Hall will remain closed until Friday as police evaluate the building to ensure it is safe.

The building was supposed to hold 50 exams on Monday before the closure was announced.

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