On Thursday, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Gujarat Police confiscated ambergris, valued at Rs 4.35 crore, and arrested two individuals believed to be in possession of this illegal substance. Ambergris, a waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, is often found drifting in the ocean and, less frequently, on shorelines. It is highly sought after for its aromatic properties and is illicitly utilized in perfume manufacturing.
The trade of ambergris is prohibited in India, as sperm whales are classified as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Sub-Inspector V K Rathod and his team executed a search operation in the parking area of the Akruti Arcade Complex located on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad Highway in Bavla, Ahmedabad. During this operation, they detained Ajay Ashok Chavda, from Khambhat in Anand, and Hitesh Dashrath Chauhan, a resident of Dholka, Ahmedabad, who were found with pieces of ambergris, which can vary in form and color from white-cream to golden-brown. Forensic experts and officials from the forest department were present at the scene.
A statement from the SMC indicated, “Following verification and analysis by the relevant authorities, a total of 4.354 kg of contraband, valued at Rs 4,35,40,000, was seized along with additional items for further investigation under Section 106 of the BNSS. The suspects were detained under Section 35(1)(e) of the BNSS and transferred to the Bavla Police Station (Ahmedabad Rural) for legal action in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act.”
The statement further disclosed, “During questioning, one of the arrested individuals, Ajay Chavda, disclosed that he had been contacted by Mehul Manish Dabhi, also from Khambhat, Anand, who had asked him to come to Bavla to facilitate the sale of ambergris. Consequently, Chavda, along with Kishor Tikam Gohel from Khambhat and another person, was to meet Dabhi near a hotel in Bavla to collect the ambergris. However, before the transaction could occur, Vaghela and Chauhan were apprehended.”
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