Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have uncovered an alleged illegal fruit juice factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State and arrested two women in connection with the operation.
The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested at the facility in the Onilegbale, Alabi Aradagun area of Badagry, where the NSCDC said adulterated fruit juice branded as Barkas Juice was being produced.
According to the Corps, the operation followed about five days of surveillance after intelligence was received about activities at the location.
NSCDC Raises Concern Over Product
The NSCDC said preliminary checks indicated that the beverage contained high levels of sugar, water, colourants, dyes and other additives, with no real fruit reportedly found in the production process.
The Corps also alleged that the product was being manufactured in an unhygienic environment and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City in Edo State and other parts of the country.
The agency said checks conducted on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) portal could not establish a valid registration for the product.
The product reportedly carried NAFDAC number 01-2166L, which authorities suspect may be fraudulent or invalid.
Truck, Chemicals, Machinery Recovered
During the operation, officials recovered a truck, cartons of the suspected adulterated juice, machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder, among other items.
The NSCDC said some of the products were already packaged and ready for distribution when the facility was raided.
The agency also said its operatives encountered resistance from some youths in the area during the operation and worked with a Nigerian Army formation to secure the location.
Suspect Gives Account
One of the arrested women reportedly told officials that the factory was originally established by her grandmother.
She said the family initially operated a water production business before moving into fruit juice production and that she inherited the business about 20 years ago.
She also claimed that the factory had previously been registered but was shut down following unspecified challenges.
The suspects’ identities have not been publicly released.
Factory Shut Down
The Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, ordered the immediate closure of the facility pending further investigation.
He said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and that the Corps would work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies as the investigation continues.
The NSCDC urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing packaged food and drinks, particularly products whose registration status cannot be verified.
