National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives are stepping up anti-narcotics enforcement in Taguig City following reports of drug dens and a potential “shabu tiangge,” or open-air retail marketplace for illegal drugs, agency officials said Wednesday.

The expanded monitoring follows a recent undercover operation in which agents with the bureau’s Dangerous Drugs Division arrested a key drug suspect and took a minor accomplice into custody during a sting involving P700,000 in marked money.

The arrest concluded a monthlong surveillance campaign by federal agents. Operatives arrested the primary suspect after completing a controlled transaction with marked cash, while the minor was taken into custody under juvenile protection protocols.

Investigators said the primary suspect was previously involved in criminal cases as a child in conflict with the law. Formal charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are currently being filed.

An undercover agent involved in the operation said investigators are examining broader drug networks operating in Taguig.

“This operation was the product of weeks of surveillance, and the P700,000 marked money reflects the scale of the transaction,” the agent said.

“We are monitoring a growing number of suspected drug dealers and possible drug dens in Taguig. We are also validating intelligence on what could potentially be a shabu tiangge operating in the area,” he added.

NBI director Melvin Matibag said

the bureau will maintain targeted pressure on street-level operations and larger supply networks to protect youth from drug exposure.

“We are receiving information that indicates we cannot afford to become complacent,” Matibag said, citing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed federal agencies to maintain aggressive enforcement.

“Our Dangerous Drugs Division will continue developing these leads and pursuing those responsible,” he added. The bureau is conducting follow-up operations to identify the suppliers and local accomplices linked to the

distribution network.