Cops to search Chinese drug suspect’s condo unit

The Manila Police District (MPD) has applied for a warrant to search a condominium unit rented by a Chinese national arrested in a buy-bust operation in Binondo Friday night.

Authorities strongly suspect that Samson Tan, 30, who occupies a unit at the 22-story Fortune Palace building at the corner of Juan Luna and Fereira streets in Binondo, is a member of an international drug ring operating in Metro Manila, according to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

“Though he refuses to talk, a search of his residence might produce incriminating evidence to prove our suspicion,” Yabut said.

Tan, who claims he cannot understand English or Filipino, was arrested after handing out a sachet of what was later confirmed to be high-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride to a policeman posing as a buyer.

Yabut believes Tan gave a fictitious name as he ordered a deeper probe into the background of the suspect. Yabut said Tan has an elaborate tattoo of a dragon that almost covers his back and even extends to his left arm, and “only the top men of the triad sport this kind of tattoo.”

Investigators also interviewed several occupants of the building but his neighbors do not personally know him, according to Yabut.

“We will find out the source of the suspect’s supply of shabu, which is not commonly produced here in the country,” he said, adding that his men are set to inspect the suspect’s unit early morning today.

Tan is facing charges of illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs. – Nestor Etolle