The factory, allegedly producing a drink branded Barkas Juice under Titi Alubarika Trading Stores Ltd., was not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. A purportedly fraudulent NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L, was found on the product. A visit to the premises revealed a truck loaded with the products, several cartons of the drink, and rolls of product labels. Part of the building was reportedly being used as a residence.
The NSCDC identified a dirty well on the premises, allegedly used as the source of water for production, and an unclean industrial storage tank. The corps alleged that the products manufactured at the facility were being distributed to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria. The raid followed five days of surveillance after receiving intelligence about activities at the location.
According to NSCDC spokesman Oluwaseun Abolurin, operatives encountered resistance from youths in the community during the operation, prompting the corps to strengthen its inter-agency security arrangement. Abolurin said support from members of the community contributed to the success of the operation. He described the alleged production activities as a public health concern and urged Nigerians to exercise caution when purchasing unregistered fruit drinks.
Abolurin said the NSCDC contacted NAFDAC to authenticate the registration number displayed on the product and was informed that the drink was not registered. He also alleged that the product contained high levels of sugar, additives, and dyes. The NSCDC said it would continue to work with other agencies to prevent the distribution of unregistered and potentially hazardous products.
However, one of the suspects, Morenikeji Alawiye, claimed that the facility had been established by her grandmother and had operated for nearly 20 years. Alawiye acknowledged that the factory had previously been shut down but said she had been working to regularise its operations before her arrest. She explained that the family initially produced bottled and sachet water before experiencing difficulties with the business.
Alawiye further claimed that an aunt had connected the business with a prospective customer in The Gambia who was interested in having the product manufactured for export. The NSCDC has taken the suspects and the products into custody, and further investigations are ongoing. The incident highlights the need for regulatory agencies to remain vigilant in monitoring food and beverage production facilities to ensure public safety.
Key points
- Two women were arrested for allegedly producing and distributing unregistered fruit drinks in Lagos State.
- The factory was found to be operating without registration and using a dirty well and unclean storage tank.
- The products were allegedly being distributed to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.
