Ahmedabad Rural police seize ambergris worth ₹2.97 crore, two arrested

The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) seized 2.97 kg of ambergris, commonly known as sperm whale vomit, worth nearly ₹2.97 crore in the international market and arrested two people during a raid near the Sarkhej–Sanand Highway.

Acting on a tip-off, the SOG intercepted two suspects near Gibpura village under Sanand police station limits and recovered 2.976 kg of ambergris, said Om Prakash Jat, Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad Rural.

The seized material, confirmed by forest officials and forensic experts, is estimated to be worth ₹2.97 crore in the international market, he said. Along with the ambergris, two mobile phones and ₹700 in cash were also confiscated from the accused.

The arrested men were identified as Yogeshbhai Tulshibhai Makwana (30), a resident of Bhavnagar, and Pantukumaar Bharatbhai Patel (37), a resident of Ahmedabad.

During interrogation, they revealed that the ambergris had been supplied by one Bharatbhai Vallabhbhai Sarvaiya of Bhavnagar and they were looking for buyers due to its high market demand, Mr. Jat said.

“Ambergris trade is banned in India as the sperm whale is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This seizure reflects our commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade,” Mr. Jat said.

The accused have been handed over to the Forest Department, Sanand, which has initiated legal proceedings under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Ambergris, a rare substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, is highly sought after in the international market for its use in perfumes and traditional medicine, despite the global ban on its trade.