Two Women Arrested Over Fake Fruit Juice Racket In Badagry
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has arrested two women, aged 48 and 50, over the production of adulterated fruit juice in Badagry, following a five day surveillance operation. A statement by the Command’s Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the suspects were arrested in collaboration with an Army formation in the area after being monitored producing the fake product. The statement disclosed that the suspects were reportedly producing a product known as Barkas Juice using water, artificial flavourings, sweeteners, colourants and other additives, in conditions the Corps described as unhygienic. Items recovered from the operation included a truck, cartons of the finished juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder used in the manufacturing process. The NSCDC said the product was distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other parts of the country, using a purported fake NAFDAC registration number to deceive unsuspecting buyers and retailers. State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said the suspects would undergo further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law, as the Corps works to trace the full extent of the product’s distribution network. Officials say the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful products circulating in local markets. The Command has urged members of the public to report suspicious manufacturing activities in their communities to help curb the circulation of counterfeit food and beverage products. Further updates on the case are expected as investigations into the racket’s supply chain continue in the coming weeks. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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