The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Panchmahal district police has seized suspected ambergris valued at Rs 86 lakh from two individuals on the Ahmedabad-Godhra highway near Bhamaiya village. This marks the second significant seizure of the substance by the unit within approximately two months.
Details of the Seizure
Acting on a tip-off received during routine patrol duty on Sunday night, SOG sleuths intercepted a van matching the description provided by the informer. Upon searching the vehicle, officials discovered 860 grams of suspected ambergris. The two occupants of the van were identified as Bharat Vagadiya and Vipul Ninama, both residents of Vavdi Khurd village in Godhra taluka. They were detained, and the suspected ambergris was confiscated. Forensic and forest department officials were informed, and samples of the material were collected for analysis.
Previous Seizure
Earlier, on March 10, the Panchmahal SOG had seized ambergris worth Rs 76.8 lakh and arrested one person. During surveillance on Bamroli road, Suresh Bariya, a resident of Dholi village near Godhra, was found in possession of 768 grams of ambergris concealed under the seat of his scooter. Bariya admitted that he was attempting to sell the ambergris in Godhra. He claimed to have obtained it from Vadodara and was expecting a commission upon its sale.
These operations highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal trade of ambergris, a valuable substance produced by sperm whales and often used in perfumery.
