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The NSCDC raids illegal juice factory Badagry operation took place in Lagos State after officers discovered an unhygienic facility allegedly using fake NAFDAC registration numbers.
The operation took place between September 19 and September 21, 2026, in the Aradagun area of Badagry. During the raid, officers arrested two women, aged 48 and 50, who were allegedly in charge of producing and distributing an unregistered drink called “Barkas Juice.”
When the officers entered the facility, they found an unregulated production setup that allegedly used contaminated water, large amounts of refined sugar and artificial colours to make the drink look like natural fruit juice, without using real fruit extracts.
NSCDC raids illegal juice factory Badagry
The officers also seized industrial processing machines, chemical dyes, large quantities of synthetic flavourings, thousands of printed labels and a delivery truck loaded with the products and ready for distribution.
The NSCDC Command in Lagos State said laboratory tests are being carried out on the liquid samples seized during the operation. The tests are being conducted with the relevant food safety authorities.
Investigators also found that the beverage was distributed beyond Badagry, with supplies reportedly reaching busy commercial areas in Lagos State, Edo State and nearby markets.
During preliminary questioning, one of the arrested suspects told security officials that the business had been run as a family operation for almost 20 years. She said it was started under the direction of her grandmother.
The suspect also admitted that the business had faced previous enforcement actions and shutdowns by food safety authorities. However, she said the operation later resumed secretly under different product names and in different locations.
The NSCDC raids illegal juice factory Badagry case highlights the challenges of monitoring illegal food production. Authorities advise consumers to verify NAFDAC numbers and avoid unverified packaged drinks.
The two suspects are still in custody as investigators complete their investigation. They may face charges related to public health risks, forgery of regulatory markings and operating an illegal manufacturing facility. The case is expected to be taken to court after the initial investigation is completed.
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