The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has raided an alleged illegal factory producing adulterated “Barkas Juice” in Badagry, Lagos State, arresting two women in connection with the operation.
The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested after about five days of surveillance by NSCDC operatives from the Badagry Command in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation in the area.
The NSCDC said the suspected production process involved water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants and chemical preservatives, with investigators alleging that no real fruit was used.
The operation, carried out between Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, reportedly encountered resistance from some youths who attempted to prevent the security operatives from accessing the premises.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, said intelligence received through the command’s community engagement initiatives helped to facilitate the operation.
Keshinro said operatives stormed the premises at about 9pm on Saturday and continued the operation into the wee hours of Sunday, when the two suspects were allegedly caught at the site.
According to him, the 48-year-old owner told investigators that the business had been inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago.
“She confessed that her grandmother started with water production, which was later upgraded to Barkas fruit juice production, which she inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago,” Keshinro said.
The NSCDC alleged that preliminary investigations showed the suspected juice contained high levels of sugar, water, colourants, dyes and other additives and was produced under unhygienic conditions.
The commandant further alleged that the products were distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of the country.
Keshinro said the products allegedly carried a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, “01-2166L”.
Items recovered from the premises included a truck, cartons of the suspected fake juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder.
The commandant ordered the immediate closure of the factory and said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He added that the NSCDC would collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to conduct further investigations and ensure appropriate legal action.
The command warned consumers against patronising unregistered food and beverage products, while noting that the specific health risks associated with the seized products would require scientific and regulatory assessment.
