The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, says it has uncovered an alleged illegal factory producing adulterated Barkas Juice in Badagry, Lagos, and arrested two women linked to the operation.
According to the command, the suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested after about five days of surveillance carried out by NSCDC operatives in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
The NSCDC alleged that the juice was produced using water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants and chemical preservatives, with no real fruit used in the production process.
The raid, which took place between September 19 and 20, reportedly faced resistance from some youths who tried to stop security personnel from entering the premises.
Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said intelligence gathered through community engagement helped officials locate the factory. He said operatives arrived at the site around 9 p.m. on Saturday and continued the operation into Sunday morning, when the two suspects were apprehended.
Keshinro also said the factory owner told investigators she inherited the business from her grandmother about 20 years ago after it evolved from water production to fruit juice manufacturing.
Preliminary investigations, according to the NSCDC, suggest the products were made under unhygienic conditions and contained high levels of sugar, colourants, dyes and other additives. The command also alleged that the products carried a fake NAFDAC registration number and were distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other parts of the country.
Items recovered from the factory include a truck, cartons of the suspected fake juice, production equipment, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder.
The NSCDC has sealed the factory and said the suspects will face prosecution. It added that it will work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to continue investigations, while advising consumers to avoid unregistered food and beverage products pending regulatory assessment of the seized items.
