The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two women following a raid on a factory allegedly producing and distributing adulterated fruit juice in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
The suspects, aged between 48 and 50, were arrested at the facility in Onilegbale, Alabi Aradagun, where NSCDC operatives recovered packaged fruit juice and other exhibits.
An NSCDC operative said the products were distributed in Lagos, Edo State and other parts of the country.
“We are here today at Alabi Aradagun, particularly in Onilegbale, in Badagry area of Lagos State. We are parading successfully suspects and exhibits in the illegal production, sale and distribution of adulterated and fake fruit juice, not only in Lagos markets but up to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria,” he said.
The operative alleged that the suspects engaged underage boys and girls between 15 and 16 years to assist in the production and packaging of the drinks.
“Unfortunately, two female suspects were apprehended, linked to this production, sale and distribution. Their names are withheld, and they are between the ages of 48 and 50. They hire the services of juveniles, underage boys and girls, between the ages of 15 and 16,” he added.
The products, packaged under the brand name Barkas, were reportedly found in containers at the facility.
According to the NSCDC, the products largely contained sugar, water, additives, dyes and colourants.
The operative also said a search of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control portal did not yield the products, raising questions about their registration status.
“A glimpse on the NAFDAC portal to check the validity of these products, what we saw there is that the products cannot be found,” he said.
One of the suspects, whose identity was withheld, claimed the factory had been established by her grandmother and was previously registered before it was shut down following unspecified challenges.
“This factory was founded by my grandma, and the produce was registered. Then, after some challenges, the factory was shut down,” she said.
She claimed the factory did not operate daily but supplied products outside Lagos three or four times a year, adding that the business had operated for almost 20 years and that the Lagos shop belonged to her.
The NSCDC said further investigation would be conducted before the suspects were charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
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