Ahmedabad Police Seize Ambergris Worth ₹2.97 Crore, Arrest Two

Speedy Summary

• Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) seized 2.97 kg of ambergris, also known as sperm whale vomit, valued at ₹2.97 crore in the international market.
• Two suspects, yogeshbhai Tulshibhai Makwana (30) from Bhavnagar and Pantukumaar Bharatbhai Patel (37) from Ahmedabad, were arrested near Gibpura village on the Sarkhej-Sanand highway.
• The ambergris was supplied by one Bharatbhai Vallabhbhai Sarvaiya of Bhavnagar; the arrested individuals were looking to sell it due to its high market demand.
• Ambergris trade is prohibited in India under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 because sperm whales are protected as a Schedule I species under national law and by CITES regulations.
• The material was verified by forest officials and forensic experts before being handed over alongside cash and mobile evidence to Forest Department authorities in Sanand for legal proceedings.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This seizure underscores IndiaS robust enforcement measures against illegal wildlife trade while highlighting recurring challenges in combatting violations related to endangered species like sperm whales. Ambergris remains a lucrative commodity due to its value in perfumery and customary medicine despite global bans on its trade-making it a persistent target for trafficking networks.Such enforcement actions are critical not only for wildlife conservation but also for ensuring compliance with international agreements like CITES.

Further strict surveillance mechanisms and collaboration between law enforcement agencies appear vital to curbing thes illicit activities effectively within India’s jurisdiction while safeguarding bio-diverse ecosystems.

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