Former Student Accused of Running Meth Operation Inside Michigan State’s Largest Building

Clear Facts

• Xin Tong, 31, was arrested after police discovered chemicals and equipment commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine in his possession at Michigan State University’s Wells Hall
• Officers found sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane during a search of Tong’s belongings
• Tong faces felony charges for operating a meth lab and malicious destruction of property over $20,000, with bond set at $500,000 and a Department of Homeland Security hold in place

A former Michigan State University student now faces serious felony charges after police say he was operating a secret methamphetamine lab inside the university’s largest academic building. The case has raised urgent questions about campus security and how such an operation could go undetected in a building that serves thousands of students daily.

Xin Tong, 31, was arrested after police responded to Wells Hall earlier this week following reports of a suspicious person, strong chemical odors, and unknown substances on the floor. When officers arrived, they found Tong and identified him using his expired MSU student ID, according to WILX.

What police discovered during their investigation painted a disturbing picture of what had been happening inside one of the university’s most heavily trafficked buildings. After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched multiple bags in Tong’s possession and found several bottles containing chemicals commonly used in methamphetamine production.

“The chemicals include sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane,” MSU police stated in a press release.

University officials moved quickly to test the building’s air quality and surfaces. Multiple tests performed by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety confirmed that the environment in Wells Hall does not pose a risk to the campus community, according to police.

Authorities later clarified that while a fully operational meth lab was never located inside the building, the suspect was in possession of the chemicals and equipment necessary to produce the dangerous drug. The materials were contained within his personal property at the time of discovery.

The investigation revealed extensive damage to university property. Between April 10 and April 26, Tong allegedly caused significant damage to doors, flooring, and fixtures throughout Wells Hall, with the destruction valued at over $20,000.

Tong now faces multiple serious charges: trespassing, malicious destruction of a building over $20,000, and felony controlled substance charges for operating and maintaining a lab involving methamphetamine. The felony drug charge alone carries potential prison time that could effectively end any future the suspect might have planned.

Wells Hall was evacuated on Monday as a precautionary measure. The building remained closed through Friday while authorities conducted a thorough investigation and ensured the safety of the campus community.

“Out of an abundance of caution,” the university said in a press release, adding that there “continues to be no known threat to the campus community.”

Tong is currently being held at the Ingham County Jail on a $500,000 bond. In a development that suggests potential immigration violations, the Department of Homeland Security has reportedly placed a hold on his bond, meaning he cannot be released even if the bond amount is posted.

The case highlights growing concerns about security measures at major university campuses and the ability of individuals to access academic buildings without proper authorization. Questions remain about how long Tong had been using the building and whether enhanced security protocols might have prevented the situation.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.