The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has arrested two women allegedly linked to the production of adulterated fruit juice in Badagry.
The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested during an operation that led to the discovery and immediate shutdown of an illegal factory where the product, identified as “Barkas Juice,” was allegedly manufactured.
The Command disclosed this in a statement signed by its Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, on Monday.
According to the statement, the operation followed about five days of surveillance by NSCDC operatives, who worked closely with a Nigerian Army formation in the area.
The Command said some youths allegedly attempted to resist the operation, but the security personnel contained the situation and proceeded with the raid.
The operation, conducted between Saturday, September 19, and the early hours of Sunday, September 20, resulted in the arrest of the two female suspects allegedly found at the premises.
Preliminary investigation, according to the NSCDC, showed that the suspected adulterated juice was produced from water, synthetic flavourings, artificial colourants, sweeteners and chemical additives, without the use of real fruit.
The Command further alleged that the product was manufactured under unhygienic conditions and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of the country.
It also said the product carried a purported NAFDAC registration number, 01 2166L, which the Command described as allegedly fake.
Items recovered from the premises included a truck, cartons of the suspected adulterated fruit juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums and gas cylinders.
The NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, said the suspects would undergo further investigation and be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Keshinro also ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered factory, adding that the Command would collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and other relevant agencies to ensure that the matter was properly investigated and handled.