The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has discovered an alleged illegal factory producing fake "Barkas Juice" in Badagry, Lagos State. Two women, aged 48 and 50, were arrested in connection with the operation after a five-day surveillance by NSCDC operatives. The suspects were caught with equipment and ingredients used to produce the adulterated juice.
According to the NSCDC, the production process involved water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, and chemical preservatives, with no real fruit used. The operation, carried out on September 19-20, encountered resistance from youths who tried to prevent security personnel from accessing the premises. The NSCDC said it received intelligence through community engagement initiatives, which facilitated the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, stated that operatives stormed the premises at 9 p.m. on Saturday and continued the operation into Sunday, when the two suspects were caught. The 48-year-old owner told investigators that the business was inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago, initially producing water before upgrading to Barkas fruit juice.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspected juice contained high levels of sugar, water, colourants, dyes, and other additives, produced under unhygienic conditions. The products were allegedly distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of the country. The NSCDC also found that the products carried a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number.
Items recovered from the premises included a truck, cartons of the suspected fake juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums, and a gas cylinder. The commandant ordered the immediate closure of the factory and stated that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The NSCDC will collaborate with NAFDAC and other agencies to conduct further investigations.
Keshinro warned consumers against patronising unregistered food and beverage products, noting that the specific health risks associated with the seized products require scientific and regulatory assessment. The NSCDC's operation highlights the need for regulatory agencies to monitor food production and distribution in Nigeria.
The NSCDC's collaboration with other agencies, such as NAFDAC, aims to ensure that those responsible for producing and distributing fake food products are brought to justice. The incident underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of food products and the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing goods.
Key points
- The NSCDC uncovered an illegal factory producing adulterated "Barkas Juice" in Lagos, arresting two women in connection with the operation.
- The production process involved synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives, with no real fruit used.
- The NSCDC will collaborate with NAFDAC and other agencies to conduct further investigations and ensure appropriate legal action.
