Ambergris Worth ₹1.01 Crore Seized on Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar Highway

The Gujarat State Monitoring Cell has seized suspected ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, valued at approximately ₹1.01 crore, and arrested one person during a raid at a hotel on the Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar Highway near Pipli village in Dholera.

Police said five pieces of the suspected ambergris, weighing 1.01 kg, were recovered during the operation carried out by a team led by Police Inspector AJ Chauhan at Raj Chamunda Hotel.

Suspected ambergris recovered

The accused, identified as Mehul Vikrambhai Chauhan, a resident of Pipli village, was found in possession of the suspected contraband, police said.

Officials from the Forest Department and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) conducted a preliminary examination, which indicated that the seized substance was ambergris.

Police said the total value of the seized property, including the ambergris and cash recovered during the operation, was estimated at ₹1,01,01,820.

A case has been registered at Dholera Police Station, and further investigation is underway.

Commission allegedly promised

During preliminary questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that he had worked in the diamond polishing industry in Bhavnagar until around two months ago.

According to police, he claimed that a man identified as Pavan Koli, a former colleague, had handed him the ambergris for safekeeping, promising him a commission once it was sold.

Investigators alleged that Mehul was on his way to deliver the consignment to a prospective buyer at the behest of Pavan Koli and another associate, Pravin Chauhan, both residents of Bhavnagar, when he was intercepted.

Police said efforts are underway to trace the other accused.

What is ambergris?

Ambergris is a rare wax-like substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is highly prized in the international fragrance industry because it acts as a fixative, helping perfumes retain their scent for longer periods.

It has also been used in luxury perfumes, incense, aromatic oils and certain traditional medicinal products, making it one of the world's most valuable naturally occurring substances.

Trade in ambergris is subject to wildlife protection laws in India, and authorities are investigating the source of the seized material and whether it is linked to a larger wildlife trafficking network.

Also Read: Ahmedabad LCB Seizes ₹1.82 Crore Suspected Ambergris, 3 arrested