Malaysian Accused Of Smuggling: Lee Peng Wee’s partner nabbed

A Malaysian national, said to be a business partner of former presidential adviser for Mindanao Lee Peng Wee and accused of smuggling toxic materials used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, was arrested yesterday by agents of the Bureau of Immigration.

Immigration Commissioner Andrea Domingo said that Tanuge Foo, earlier charged with violations of the Customs Tariff Code, was arrested for engaging in gainful occupation without the required working visa or permit.

Foo’s business of manufacturing foam and mattresses for sofas was a mere front to bring in toxic waste materials and other contraband.

Domingo said that Foo’s arrest was coordinated with the office of the district collector of Customs in Zamboanga.

Customs records showed that toxic waste, consigned to Wee, a close associate of deposed president Joseph Estrada, was shipped to Zamboanga by the Aleson Shipping Lines.

The shipment did not have the required importation clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and was not declared in the cargo manifest of MV Lady Mary Joy 2 which brought the contraband from Sandakan, Malaysia.

Foo, together with his Malaysian partners, identified as Ang Beng Aon and Sin Kwan, have been charged with smuggling and violations of the DENR regulation.

Domingo said that Foo and the two other Malaysians, who are now the subject of a manhunt, will also be charged for violating Philippine immigration laws as they were found to have been engaged in gainful occupation on tourist visas.

Foo was also quoted as having said that he was "untouchable" and that he had extensive business in Mindanao.

Wee is currently a candidate for the mayorship of Zambaonga City challenging incumbent Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat. He has been a subject of a congressional inquiry by the House of Representatives for his alleged smuggling activities.