Major Ambergris Haul in Ahmedabad
In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch (Zone VII) has successfully recovered ambergris valued at a staggering Rs 8.7 crore and arrested four individuals. The operation, which unfolded on the Sarkhej-Makarba Road, led to the confiscation of 8.704 kilograms of the precious substance, along with mobile phones and a Swift car used by the accused.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
Acting on a specific intelligence tip, the police team intercepted the suspects. The four men taken into custody were identified as Rinkusingh Rajput (21) and Shashank Pandey (29), both from Naroda, Ajay Vyas (23) from Maninagar, and Jatin Patil (25) from New Maninagar. Ambergris, a rare and highly sought-after natural product from sperm whales, is prized in the global perfume industry for its unique fragrance-fixing properties, making it a lucrative commodity on the black market.
An official confirmed, "The seized ambergris is estimated to be worth Rs 8.7 crore." Legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused, who are currently in police custody. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to uncover the source of the ambergris and identify the intended buyers in the smuggling chain.
A Growing Trend of Ambergris Smuggling in Gujarat
This incident is not an isolated one. Officials revealed that this is the sixth such major case registered in Gujarat since June of this year, highlighting a persistent problem. The pattern of seizures across the state includes:
- September: The SOG seized 10kg of ambergris from four individuals who were allegedly planning to sell it in Surat.
- September: One person was arrested in Amreli with 2.199kg of ambergris.
- August: The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch arrested one person with 2kg of ambergris.
- August: The Ahmedabad Rural SOG seized 2.976 kg of ambergris in a separate case.
- June: Vadodara police seized ambergris worth Rs 1.58 crore and arrested several individuals attempting to smuggle it.
The repeated interdictions by various police units across the state indicate a concerted effort to dismantle networks involved in this illegal and environmentally damaging trade.
