Ahmedabad, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : In a significant operation, the Gujarat police’s State Monitoring Cell confiscated 4.35 kilograms of ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, valued at ₹4.35 crore. The raid took place in the parking area of Akriti Arcade complex along the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway in the Bavla area of Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The operation was initiated under the directives of Police Chief G.S. Malik, aimed at combating illegal activities in the state. The two individuals arrested have been identified as Ajay Chavda from Tarakpur in Anand district and Hitesh Chauhan from Bhetawada in Ahmedabad district.
Leading the operation was Sub-Inspector V.K. Rathod, who reported that the team discovered various pieces of ambergris, which appeared as solid substances in shades of white, cream, gold, and brown. Officials from the forest department and the forensic science laboratory inspected the seized materials.
The total weight of the confiscated ambergris was 4,354 grams, with a market value of ₹4,35,40,000. Including other items seized during the operation, the total value amounted to ₹4,38,17,770.
According to police, the ambergris was seized under Section 106 of the Indian Citizen Safety Code, 2023, and the two suspects were detained under Section 35(1)(e) of the law. They were subsequently handed over to the Bavla police station for further legal proceedings under the Wildlife Protection Act.
During questioning, Chavda revealed that he had been called to Bavla by Mehul Dabi, who resides in Tarakpur, to assist in selling the ambergris. Chavda, along with Kishan Gohil and another individual, traveled to Bavla for this purpose.
Police statements indicated that they visited a location near Gwaliya Hotel, where Hitesh Chauhan arrived with the ambergris, reportedly at the behest of a person named Sachin. The group intended to hand over the ambergris to Kishan Gohil for sale when they were apprehended in the parking area of Akriti Arcade complex.
Ambergris, which is derived from sperm whales, is classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Its use as a fixative in high-quality perfumes enhances fragrance longevity and quality. Additionally, it has historical applications in traditional medicine and as an aphrodisiac in various cultures, contributing to its high market value internationally. The State Monitoring Cell has confirmed that further legal action is being pursued through the Bavla police station.
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