VIDEO: NSCDC busts illegal fruit juice factory in Lagos, arrests two

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos has dismantled a factory allegedly manufacturing counterfeit "Barkas Juice" and arrested two women involved in the operation. The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were apprehended after five days of surveillance by NSCDC officers from the Badagry Command, working alongside a Nigerian Army team in the vicinity.

According to NSCDC, the production process involved water, synthetic flavorings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colorants, and chemical preservatives, with no real fruit utilized in the concoction.

The raid took place between September 19 and 20, encountering opposition from some local youths who tried to hinder the security personnel from accessing the premises. Adedotun Keshinro, the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, revealed that intelligence gathered through community engagement initiatives led to the operation. At around 9 p.m. on Saturday, the operatives stormed the factory, continuing the investigation into the early hours of Sunday when they apprehended the two women.

Keshinro disclosed that the 48-year-old owner claimed she inherited the business from her grandmother about 20 years ago. She confessed that her grandmother initially produced water, which was later expanded to Barkas fruit juice production. The NSCDC alleged that the alleged juice contained excessive sugar, water, colorants, dyes, and other additives, and was produced under unsanitary conditions.

Moreover, the commandant alleged that the products were distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of Nigeria, carrying a fake NAFDAC registration number, "01-2166L".

During the operation, the NSCDC seized a truck, cartons of the counterfeit juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums, and a gas cylinder. The commandant has ordered the immediate closure of the factory, with the suspects to face legal prosecution in line with the law. The NSCDC also warned consumers against purchasing unregistered food and beverage products, emphasizing the need for scientific and regulatory assessment to determine the specific health risks associated with the seized items.