The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested two women, aged 48 and 50, for allegedly producing adulterated “Barkas Juice” at an illegal factory in Badagry.
The NSCDC said operatives carried out five days of surveillance before raiding the facility between Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation in the area. The suspects were reportedly caught during production.
According to preliminary findings, the juice was allegedly made with water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, preservatives and other additives, without real fruit. The product allegedly carried a fake NAFDAC registration number and was distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other parts of the country.
Items recovered included a truck, cartons of the suspected adulterated juice, machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder.
Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, ordered the factory shut and said the suspects would undergo further investigation and prosecution in collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies.
