Latest news with #AhmedabadRuralSpecialOperationsGroup
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Ambergris worth 2.97 crore seized, two held
Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) seized 2.976 kg of ambergris (sperm whale vomit) valued at Rs 2.97 crore in an operation near Sarkhej-Sanand Highway on Saturday. Two suspects were arrested. Police said the action followed a tip-off and was carried out near Gibpura village under Sanand police station limits. The suspects were found carrying ambergris, also known as "floating gold," along with two mobiles worth Rs 2,000 and Rs 700 in cash. The total seizure is valued at Rs 2,97,62,700. During interrogation, the accused disclosed that the ambergris was supplied by a Bhavnagar resident. They admitted to searching for potential buyers because of its high market value. Officials said the material was verified by the Range Forest Officer and FSL experts. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Gold Rates Today in Ahmedabad | Silver Rates Today in Ahmedabad The accused were handed over to the forest department, Sanand, for legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act. Trade of ambergris is banned in India as the sperm whale is a Schedule I species under the Act and listed under CITES. Ambergris is highly sought after in the perfume industry for its fixative properties and commands high prices in international markets. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
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.
