The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Command, on Monday September 21, shut down an alleged illegal fruit juice production factory in Badagry and arrested two female suspects.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, said the facility, identified as Barkas Juice, was located on Alabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, Badagry. He said operatives discovered the factory on Sept. 19 following credible intelligence.
According to Keshinro, the facility was operating under what he described as unhygienic and unsuitable conditions for producing consumable products. Various materials used for juice production and packaging were found at the premises, while the two suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that products from the facility were distributed beyond Badagry to markets in places including Benin City, Edo State. He added that further investigation would determine the scale of production, distribution network and distributors involved.
Keshinro alleged that the products contained mainly sugar, water, colourants, dyes and other additives, with little or no real fruit content, and were allegedly produced using a purported fake NAFDAC registration number. He warned that consumption of improperly produced beverages could pose serious health risks.
The commandant urged consumers to carefully examine product labels and patronise reputable outlets, while assuring that the NSCDC would continue to clamp down on activities capable of endangering public health. He said the suspects would undergo further investigation and be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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