The officials of crime branch unit 4 arrested three men for illegal sale of ambergris also known as Whale vomit, a waxy substance that originates as a secretion in the intestines of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfume manufacture. The Police have seized 2.7 kgs of Ambergris, valued at ₹2.7 crore from the accused trio.
The official of crime branch unit 4 received information that few people were trying to sell ambergris. Acting on the tip-off crime branch officials along with forest officials and marine biologist raided a flat in Mulund and seized 2.7 kilogram of ambergris. This species of the whale is endangered and protected under the Wildlife Act, said an official.
The three held from the flat are identified as Ramesh Ramji Waghela, 56, Arvind Shah, 63, and Dhanaji Hasmukh Thakur, 52 they have been arrested under the Wild Life (protection) act.
The investigation revealed a man from Gujarat had given ambergris to the trip and asked them to look for buyers. When he returned to Gujarat the police their arrested him and seized 6-7 whale vomits claimed the accused. The police have contacted their counterparts in Gujarat and are verifying facts.
The police have sent samples of ambergris to forensic laboratory in Kolkata for chemical analysis.
