Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad city police arrested three men on Tuesday for allegedly possessing 1.8 kg of ambergris, a prohibited wildlife derivative worth an estimated Rs 1.82 crore in the grey market, during a raid near the Sanathal bridge on the Sardar Patel Ring Road.The accused were identified as Vishvarajsinh Chudasama (27) and Darshan Sabhad (24), both residents of Limbdi in Surendranagar district, and Virpalsinh Rathod (25), a resident of Changodar in Ahmedabad district.According to police, the raid was carried out as part of a special drive against the illegal trade, storage and transportation of wildlife derivatives protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Acting on information, the local crime branch team intercepted three suspects, who were allegedly waiting near the bridge with the contraband.Ambergris is a waxy and highly flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Often referred to as “whale vomit”, it is highly sought after in the global fragrance industry because it acts as a fixative, allowing perfumes to retain their scent for longer.Investigators are now probing the source of the ambergris and attempting to identify the intended buyers as well as any larger network involved in the illegal trade.
