Gujarat CID Crime arrests man with whale vomit worth over ₹3 crore on Vatman-Dholka highway

The Gujarat CID Crime has arrested a man from Bhavnagar for allegedly possessing whale vomit, also known as ambergris, worth ₹3.69 crore.

Acting on a tip-off, a CID team laid a trap on the Vatman-Dholka highway near a ceramic factory at Nesda, where two persons were reportedly trying to sell the contraband. A dummy customer was sent to the location, following which the team intercepted an Ertiga car in which the suspects had arrived.

One of them, identified as Prashant Sureshbhai Vaghela, a resident of Bhavnagar, was caught in possession of 3.690 kg of ambergris, valued at approximately ₹3.69 crore. While another accused, identified as Rahul, who was sitting inside the car, fled from the spot when he saw his associate being caught. 

Officials said necessary samples have been taken and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for testing. A mobile phone was also seized from him, bringing the total recovery to ₹3.69 crore.

Ambergris, a rare substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, is used in the manufacture of high-end perfumes and certain medicines. Its possession and trade are prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Police said an FIR has been registered to ascertain how Vaghela obtained the material, which was allegedly stolen or fraudulently acquired, and further investigation is underway to trace other individuals involved.