An individual was arrested in Ahmedabad on Wednesday with 2 kilograms of ambergris, commonly known as sperm whale vomit, valued at approximately ₹2 crore on the international market. The arrest took place after a tip-off led police to an open ground near Air Cargo Road in Meghaninagar, where the contraband was discovered.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Raju alias Rajesh Marwadi from Bikaner, Rajasthan, confessed during interrogation that the ambergris was supplied to him by Ganesh Marwadi from Mumbai. Authorities are now actively searching for Ganesh, suspecting a broader network involved in the illegal trade of this rare substance. Legal action has been initiated against Raju for unlawful possession.
Ambergris, a waxy substance produced in the digestive systems of sperm whales, is one of the most expensive natural products in the world. Often referred to as "floating gold," it is prized in the perfume industry for its unique properties, particularly its ability to act as a fixative that helps fragrances last longer. Despite being expelled naturally by whales, its collection and trade are illegal in several countries, including India, due to wildlife protection laws.
Investigators are now trying to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation. They are probing into who the intended recipient of the ambergris was, who was meant to collect the delivery, and how many such transactions have taken place in the past. Authorities suspect this may be part of a larger trafficking ring, and further arrests are likely as the investigation unfolds.
