How cops posing as buyers nabbed man out to sell Ambergris – banned whale vomit – in Ahmedabad
CID crime seizes banned substance worth Rs 3.69 crore; fourth such seizures in the state since April 30
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With this latest seizure, a total of 11.57 kg Ambergris has been seized in four cases in Ahmedabad district in as many months.Posing as potential buyers, the Gujarat Police on Tuesday seized Ambergris (sperm whale vomit) weighing 3.69 kg and amounting to Rs 3.69 crore near Dholka town in Rural Ahmedabad. The police have detained one accused in the case as it made its fourth seizure since April 30 of the banned substance in the state.
The latest seizure was made after CID Crime received information that two men in possession of Ambergris were in Ahmedabad district and were looking for buyers to sell it. The police contacted them as buyers and arranged to meet them near a ceramic factory on the Vataman-Dholka Highway.
When the sellers reached the spot in their SUV, the CID Crime team nabbed them. Prashant Suresh Vaghela, resident of Bhavnagar, was found in possession of 3.69 kg of Ambergris worth Rs 3.69 crore, said sources. The Ambergris was seized and a sample sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for testing. Vaghela was detained and further investigation is underway.
Ambergris is formed in the digestive tract of sperm whales and is often found floating in the sea. Rarely, it is also found on beaches and coastlines. It is highly prized for its scent and is used illegally in the production of perfumes.
Trade of Ambergris is banned in India as Sperm Whale is schedule 1 species under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
With this latest seizure, a total of 11.57 kg Ambergris has been seized in four cases in Ahmedabad district in as many months. Of the previous three cases, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Ahmedabad Rural Police seized 2.97 kg on August 27 while the Crime Branch of Ahmedabad City Police seized 2 kg on August 6. Earlier, 2.904 kg of the banned substance was seized on April 30.
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