The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Command has arrested two women over the alleged production of adulterated fruit juice at an illegal factory in Badagry.
The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested after NSCDC operatives conducted about five days of surveillance before raiding the facility in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation.
The operation took place between Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday, according to the Corps.
Some youths reportedly attempted to resist the operation before security personnel gained access to the facility.
The NSCDC said the suspected juice, branded as “Barkas Juice,” was allegedly made by mixing water with synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes and chemical preservatives, without real fruit.
“The alleged fake fruit juice production involves mixing water, synthetic chemical flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, and chemical preservatives and completely omitting real fruit,” the Corps said.
The agency also alleged that the product was manufactured in an unhygienic environment and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other parts of the country.
Items recovered included cartons of the juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums, a gas cylinder and a truck.
The Corps also alleged that the product carried a fake NAFDAC registration number, “01-2166L.”
The alleged owner told investigators that her grandmother started the business with water production before it was expanded into fruit juice production, which she said she inherited about 20 years ago.
Lagos NSCDC Commandant Adedotun Keshinro ordered the immediate closure of the factory and said the suspects would undergo further investigation before prosecution.
The command also said it would work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies on the case.
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