Senior Citizen Driver Nabbed with High-Value Ambergris Worth Rs 1 Crore in Junagadh
In a significant wildlife crime bust, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Junagadh police has seized ambergris valued at approximately Rs 1 crore and apprehended a 72-year-old man in connection with the illegal trade. The arrested individual has been identified as Pankaj Kubavat, a resident of Palitana in Bhavnagar district.
Operation Based on Specific Intelligence Tip-Off
According to official statements, the police action was initiated following a credible tip-off received by the SOG team. SOG Inspector R K Parmar disclosed that information indicated a person was attempting to clandestinely sell a valuable substance near the railway tracks at Padariya village. This location is situated on the Junagadh-Khadiya Road, opposite a Shiva temple.
Arrest and Seizure Details
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the SOG team proceeded to the Vijapur bus station. At this location, they successfully spotted and detained the suspect, Pankaj Kubavat. Upon conducting a thorough search, the officers discovered pieces of ambergris carefully concealed within a white plastic bag in his possession.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Kubavat works professionally as a driver. The authorities are delving deeper into his potential connections and the broader network involved in this illicit trade.
Legal Proceedings and Wildlife Protection
The seized ambergris, a highly regulated substance under wildlife protection laws, has been formally handed over to the forest department's Dungar South range office in Junagadh. This transfer is for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive further investigation and initiating appropriate legal action.
Ambergris, often referred to as 'floating gold,' is a rare and valuable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Its trade is strictly controlled under various national and international wildlife conservation statutes due to the protected status of the species.
This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Gujarat to combat wildlife-related crimes and protect endangered species. The case highlights the sophisticated methods sometimes employed in such illegal activities and the vigilance required to intercept them.
