The Crime Branch of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police has arrested two persons for illegal possession of 1.380 kg of ambergris — often mistakenly referred to as ‘whale vomit’ — a waxy substance originating from the digestive system of protected sperm whales.
The seized ambergris is estimated to be worth Rs 1.3 crore in the illegal market.
Police identified the accused as Shubham Padmakar Adagale (23) and Akshay alias Dadya Varankar, both residents of Gholap Vasti on Markal Road in Alandi.
Police constable Harshad Kadam of the Crime Branch lodged the first information report (FIR) at the Alandi police station, according to a press release issued on Sunday.
Acting on a tip-off received by Kadam, a Crime Branch team comprising assistant police inspectors Raosaheb Mothe and Pandurang Devkate, along with policemen Chandrakant Gadade, Vinod Veer, Vishal Gaikwad, Somnath More and Audumbar Ronghe, laid a trap and nabbed the two suspects on Markal Road on Saturday.
“During a search, our team recovered 1.380 kg of ambergris, estimated at Rs 1.3 crore, from Adagale. He got the ambergris from Varankar, who too was placed under arrest,” said senior police inspector Vijay Dhamal of the Crime Branch.
Police said the accused were in illegal possession of ambergris and were suspected to be looking for a buyer. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shivaji Pawar said the accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.
A probe is underway to ascertain the source of the ambergris and the intended buyer. A prima facie investigation has revealed that a suspect from Mumbai was expected to come to Pune to take delivery of the ambergris, a police officer said.
The accused were produced before a court on Sunday. Investigation officer, police sub-inspector Rahul Dudhmal, said, “The court has remanded the accused persons to police custody for two days. Further investigation is on. Varankar has a previous criminal record.”
There have been several cases of ambergris seizures by police agencies and the Forest Department in the past. While ambergris is a tradable commodity, with restrictions, in several countries, nations such as the United States, Australia and India have completely banned its possession and trade.
In India, sperm whales are a protected species under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, and possession or trade of any of their by-products, including ambergris, is illegal.
Depending on quality, ambergris can fetch anywhere between Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore per kilogram in illegal international markets, earning it the moniker ‘floating gold’.
Officials said ambergris is extremely rare, contributing to its high demand and price. Traditionally, it has been used in the production of perfumes, particularly those with musky notes.
It is believed that the key markets for ambergris are Middle Eastern countries, select European nations, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Though commonly and incorrectly referred to as ‘whale vomit’, one theory suggests ambergris is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of some sperm whales to aid the passage of hard, sharp objects ingested while feeding on marine animals.
Ambergris is expelled like faeces and initially has a strong faecal and marine odour. When freshly passed, it is light yellow and fatty in texture. As it ages, it turns waxy and becomes reddish-brown, sometimes with shades of grey or black, developing a milder, earthy, sweet smell with faint marine notes.