Bhavnagar, July 11 (IANS) The Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell on Saturday seized 4.306 kg of suspected ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, valued at over Rs 4.30 crore, in Bhavnagar district and arrested four persons in connection with its alleged illegal possession and intended sale.

The seizure was made during a raid conducted by the State Monitoring Cell in an open coastal area near Blue Sky Society in Budhel village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Vartej Police Station.

The operation was carried out following directions from Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik to take legal action against illegal activities across the state.

Police Inspector R.K. Karmata of the State Monitoring Cell led the raid, during which officers apprehended Imran Parmar of Akhalol, originally from Limda (Hanubhana) in Umrala taluka; Sajidkhan Pathan of Ruvapuri Road, Bhavnagar; Faizan Madhra of Indiranagar, Budhel village; and Sabbir Saiyed of Indishnagar, Budhel village.

According to the police, the accused were found in possession of hard, solid pieces of suspected ambergris, varying in size and shape, and in colour from white and cream to golden brown.

The material was examined by officials from the Forest Department and the Forensic Science Laboratory, who identified it as ambergris.

The seized consignment weighed 4.306 kg and was valued at Rs 4,30,60,000. Including other articles recovered during the operation, the total value of the seized property was estimated at Rs 4,31,60,100.

The property was seized under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for investigation.

The four accused were detained under Section 35(1)(E) of the same law and handed over to Vartej Police Station for further legal action under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

During questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that two absconding suspects, identified as Abhishek Rathod and Bharat Bharwad, both residents of Bhavnagar, had handed over the ambergris to Imran Parmar and Sajidkhan Pathan two days earlier for safekeeping, with the promise of a commission upon its sale.

Police said Imran Parmar subsequently kept the consignment before calling his friends Faizan Madhra and Shabbir Saiyed to Budhel village the following day.

The four allegedly decided to look for a buyer and kept the material in the custody of Faizan and Shabbir until a sale could be arranged.

Investigators said the four were arrested while meeting at night to discuss finding a customer for the consignment. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022, the sperm whale is listed in Schedule I, which provides the species with the highest level of legal protection.

Trade in ambergris derived from sperm whales is regulated under Indian wildlife laws, and offences involving protected wildlife products attract penal action.

Ambergris is a rare waxy substance produced by sperm whales and has historically been used as a fixative in high-end perfumes because it helps fragrances last longer.

It has also been used in incense, aromatic oils and, historically, in some traditional medicinal and cultural practices, contributing to its high value in illegal international markets.

–IANS

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