NSCDC busts fake juice factory in Lagos, arrests two

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos has dismantled an illegal factory producing counterfeit fruit juice known as "Barkas Juice." Two women, aged 48 and 50, were apprehended in connection with the operation. According to the NSCDC, the suspects were arrested after a five-day surveillance operation conducted by operatives from the Badagry area in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation.

The NSCDC revealed that the product contained high levels of sugar, water, colorants, dyes, and additives without any real fruit. The factory was found to be operating in an unhygienic environment and distributing the fake juice to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of the country. The product was marketed under a fraudulent NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L.

The lead suspect confessed that her grandmother originally started the business as a water production venture before expanding into the production of fake Barkas fruit juice. The factory contained various items such as a truck, cartons of the counterfeit juice, machinery, chemicals, drums, and a gas cylinder. The NSCDC emphasized that consuming fake products could lead to severe health consequences, including Type 2 diabetes and liver and kidney failure.

The Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, assured that the suspects would be prosecuted and the factory would be closed to prevent further distribution of adulterated products.