In a significant bust, six individuals were arrested near Bill Canal Road in Vadodara for possessing ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit. The total value of the ambergris is estimated at ₹1.58 crore. The arrests were made after a tip-off led the Vadodara Zone 2 Local Crime Branch (LCB), in collaboration with the Forest Department and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), to conduct a raid in the area. During the operation, police recovered the ambergris, along with six mobile phones and a car. The total value of all seized items reached ₹1.65 crore.
The individuals arrested include:
– Suresh Chavda
– Gautam Vasava
– Dipak Rabari
– Siddharth alias Sunny Bharwad
– Raju alias Sanjay Bharwad
– Suraj Singh Kaboj
Ambergris is a rare, waxy substance formed in the intestines of sperm whales. These whales are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India. Despite its nickname, ‘whale vomit,’ ambergris is usually expelled through the whale’s digestive system and can float on ocean surfaces for years, hardening over time.
The substance is highly valued for its distinct musky scent and is used in the production of luxury perfumes. On the black market, it can fetch tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram. However, the collection and trade of ambergris is illegal in India, classified as a wildlife product. Its high value poses a significant threat to whale conservation, as it encourages illegal exploitation.
In a related incident, police in Anand district arrested six individuals for allegedly smuggling two pieces of ambergris worth ₹73.6 lakh. The police had received a tip-off and set up surveillance. They discovered the accused near a grey sedan with a Vadodara registration number, where they found suspicious items in a plastic bag. Upon investigation, the accused confirmed that it was ambergris but were unable to explain its source or destination.
The arrested individuals in the Anand case were identified as:
– Girish Gandhi (58)
– Vikram Patadiya (48)
– Meet Gandhi (21)
– Meet Vyas (23)
– Dhruvil Patel (22)
– Zahoor Mansuri (61)
These individuals were reportedly waiting for a buyer to hand over the ambergris, which weighed 735 grams. They were arrested under Section 41(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code and handed over to the Anand town police. The forest department officials were called to the scene to determine the appropriate sections of the Wildlife Protection Act to charge the suspects.
The illegal trade of ambergris raises serious concerns for wildlife protection and conservation. The substance, while valuable, is a product of a protected species, and its collection is strictly regulated. This recent spate of arrests highlights the ongoing battle against wildlife crime in India and the need for greater awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.
As authorities continue to crack down on these illegal activities, the hope is to deter potential offenders and promote conservation efforts. The incidents serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife protection and the lucrative black market for rare substances.
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