In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, the Kolhapur police and forest department successfully arrested three individuals on Sunday for possessing ambergris, commonly referred to as whale vomit, with an estimated market value of a staggering Rs 5.24 crore.
The Sting Operation at Kaneriwadi
Acting on a specific tip-off, authorities were informed that a group of people was planning to arrive at Kaneriwadi in Karvir tehsil of Kolhapur district to conduct an illegal sale of the precious substance. A joint team swiftly set up a trap in the area to intercept the suspects.
After a brief wait, the suspects arrived at the location on two motorcycles. However, the four individuals reportedly sensed the police presence and attempted to flee the scene immediately. A chase ensued, leading to the eventual arrest of three of the four men. One suspect managed to evade capture during the operation.
Identities of the Arrested Accused
The police have identified the three men taken into custody. The arrested individuals are:
- Sambhaji Patil (78), a resident of Chandre village in Radhanagari, Kolhapur district.
- Pramod alias Pintu Desai (48), hailing from Chikkalvhal district of Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Anil Mahadik (55), a resident of Mugli in Gadhinglaj tehsil.
The authorities have seized the ambergris from their possession and are conducting further investigations to uncover the source and intended buyers of the contraband.
Understanding the Illicit Ambergris Trade
Ambergris is a rare, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is highly prized in the international perfume industry for its unique properties as a fragrance fixative. Despite its origin, the trade of ambergris is illegal in India as sperm whales are a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The seizure of such a high-value consignment, worth over five crore rupees, highlights the ongoing challenges and scale of the illegal wildlife trade in the region. This successful operation by the Kolhapur police and forest department marks a crucial step in curbing the smuggling of protected marine species' derivatives.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full network behind this smuggling attempt and to apprehend the fourth suspect who escaped.
