Latest news with #Ambergris
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Investigation deepens in Rs 10 crore whale vomit case as police track supply chain
Assam Police seizes drugs worth Rs 11.5 crore in two separate operations Margao: A day after the arrest of three persons with nearly 6kg of ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, worth over Rs 10 crore, Sanguem police continue their investigation into what they suspect to be a sophisticated interstate smuggling network. Sainath Shet from Ponda, Ratuakant Karapurkar from Zuarinagar, and Vegesh Redkar from Sawantwadi were remanded in four-day police custody after they were found in possession of the banned substance at Dabamol, Sanguem. 'The choice of Dabamal village as a trading point remains puzzling,' said a senior police official. 'It's a close-knit community where outsiders are easily noticed, yet the accused chose this location for their transaction.' The seizure of two vehicles provided crucial leads about the transportation routes to the police, though police officials remain tight-lipped over the progress of the investigation. South Goa SP Tikam Singh Verma told TOI that the police obtained some crucial leads in the matter and that they are actively working on them. Police said that more arrests in the case may follow. The case has taken on greater significance as police draw connections to the Feb 2024 seizure by the Konkan Railway police, where two Kerala residents were caught with nearly 6kg of whale vomit valued at Rs 5.6 crore at the Margao railway station. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Ambergris, a waxy substance produced in sperm whales' digestive systems, is highly valued in the perfume industry. However, its sale and possession are prohibited in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as it is considered a derivative from protected marine mammals. The substance's rarity and high value make it attractive to smugglers despite severe legal consequences. The three accused were charged under the Wildlife Protection Act's Section 39 (wild animals, to be govt property), Section 44 (prohibits dealing in trophies and animal articles without a licence), Section 49B (prohibits dealing in trophies, animal articles, derived from scheduled animals), and Section 51 (outlines penalties for offences committed under the Act). Police said that the accused intended to trade the ambergris for monetary gain without possessing any authorisation. Police are now also examining possible connections between the current case under investigation and the 2020 Sawantwadi case, where three Goans were arrested.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Indian Express
Sperm whale vomit ‘Ambergris' worth Rs 2.9 crore seized in Ahmedabad; four arrested
With the arrest of four people, the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) of the Ahmedabad City Police on Wednesday said it had seized 2.904 kg of Ambergris (sperm whale vomit) worth Rs 2.9 crore. The Crime Branch received information that a man named Ameer Mansuri, who had arrived in Ahmedabad from Surat, was looking to find buyers for Ambergris. After locating and apprehending Mansuri, officials found photos and videos of the substance in his phone, officers said. Further questioning led the investigators to a man called Usman Nainuddin Yunus Shaikh in Surat who allegedly had possession of the substance. A team was dispatched from Ahmedabad which apprehended Shaikh, found the Ambergris, and seized it, officers said. Ambergris is formed in the digestive tract of sperm whales and is often found floating in the sea and rarely even spotted on beaches and coastlines. It is highly prized for its scent and is used illegally in the production of perfumes. In total, the Crime Branch has arrested four persons, including Usman (26), Sahadat Ali (Babu) Shaukatali Rangrez (29), Mohammad Hanif Saeed Shaikh (21), and Mansuri (25). They were booked for violation of Schedule-II of the Wildlife Protection Act. Police inspector Dipak Dhola said that primarily, it appears that the accused had acquired the Ambergris from a person in Daman. Further investigation is underway.
Deccan Herald
30-04-2025
- Science
- Deccan Herald
Four held with 'whale vomit' worth Rs 2.9 crore in Ahmedabad
Ambergris is produced by sperm whales. It is waxy substance which is highly sought after in the perfume industry. It is considered to be rare as it is formed in the intestines of sperm whales.
