Chinese inmate fined for drug possession in Santiago prison

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A Chilean court fined Chinese national Haifeng Tang 71,649 pesos (US$75) after officers discovered approximately one gram of cocaine in his possession at Santiago Uno prison on August 12. Tang, who is currently held on charges including homicide, kidnapping, and drug trafficking, was caught one day prior to a planned transfer to the La Laguna maximum-security facility. Prosecutors linked this incident to a second similar case involving a Chinese inmate within a five-month period and identified both individuals as members of the same criminal network. The discovery represents a setback for President Jose Antonio Kast’s security policy, as Tang had been cleared for transfer despite the presence of contraband.

Consequences

The identification of three active Chinese criminal networks by prosecutors suggests that investigations into illegal casinos and fraud operations will likely remain a focus for Chilean authorities. Furthermore, the incident exposed a failure in the screening process preceding the transfer of high-security detainees, which may necessitate a review of security protocols at Santiago Uno prison.

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