A suspected counterfeit beverage operation has been shut down in Badagry, Lagos State, after the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) raided a facility allegedly manufacturing adulterated “Barkas Juice.”
Two women were taken into custody following roughly five days of monitoring by officers attached to the Badagry Command, with support from a Nigerian Army unit stationed in the area. The NSCDC said investigators believe the drink was made from water, artificial flavouring, industrial sweeteners, synthetic colouring and chemical preservatives. No fruit was reportedly used in the production process.
The raid started on Saturday, September 19, and extended into the early hours of Sunday, September 20. Officers allegedly encountered opposition from youths who tried to block their entry to the premises.
Adedotun Keshinro, the Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, said information gathered through the command’s community outreach activities led to the discovery of the site. He said officers arrived at about 9 p.m. on Saturday and found both women inside the facility.
Keshinro said the older suspect, identified as the alleged owner, told investigators that she had taken over the business from her grandmother. This was approximately two decades ago.
“She confessed that her grandmother started with water production, which was later upgraded to Barkas fruit juice production, which she inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago,” he said.
According to the NSCDC, initial findings suggested that the beverages contained quantities of sugar, water, dyes, colourants and other substances. The agency also described the production environment as unsanitary.
Fake Registration Number
Keshinro alleged that the drinks were supplied to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other locations across the country. The command further claimed that the products displayed a forged NAFDAC registration number: “01-2166L”.
Among the materials seized were a truck, cartons of the suspected fake juice, processing equipment, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder. The facility has been sealed, while the NSCDC said the two suspects would face prosecution under applicable laws.
Keshinro said the command would coordinate with NAFDAC and other agencies to deepen the investigation and determine the next steps.
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