Second Suspect Sought In Center City Meth Lab Operation
By Al Novack
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A 26-year-old Old suspect taken into custody Saturday morning when police found a portable meth lab at the center city Hampton Inn has been charged. But, a second suspect remains at large.
Police Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan says 27-year-old Mathew Phillip Sinson has been charged with possession of narcotics with intent to deliver/distribute, possession of narcotics with intent to manufacture (see related story).
Sullivan says the use of a Hazmat team, the fire department, and Homeland Security when a meth lab is uncovered is common practice. He adds this is in part because of the nature of the materials used like those uncovered at the Hampton.
"There was a multitude of substances that had the potential to be dangerous strewn throughout the room," says Sullivan.
Police confiscated multiple grams of methamphetamine with a street value of $70,840.00;
various chemical components for the manufacturing of methamphetamine, and paraphernalia such as funnels, containers, grinding equipment. Sinson's residence located on the at 300 block of N. 12th Street is being searched as well.
Sullivan says portable labs like the one found at the Hampton have only started to show up lately in Philadelphia. "On the national level, it's very common to rent a hotel room, mix a quick batch of methamphetamine and then leave. This room is going to require a major cleanup."
Meanwhile, the manhunt for a second suspect is continuing.
