The Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) seized 4.354 kg of ambergris — commonly known as 'whale vomit' — valued at ₹4.35 crore during a raid at Bavla, Ahmedabad Rural, on 1 October 2026. Two men were detained in the operation, which was conducted following directives from Director General of Police G.S. Malik to crack down on illegal activities across the state.

How the Raid Unfolded

The seizure took place at the parking area of Akriti Arcade Complex on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad Highway. The operation was led by Police Sub-Inspector V.K. Rathod of the State Monitoring Cell. The team recovered pieces of ambergris in varying sizes and shapes — described as hard, solid material in white, cream, golden, and brown shades. Officials from the Forest Department and the Forensic Science Laboratory subsequently examined the confiscated material.

The seized ambergris weighed 4 kg 354 grams and was valued at ₹4,35,40,000. Including other items seized during the same operation, the total value of confiscated material stood at ₹4,38,17,770, according to police.

Who Was Detained

Police identified the two detained individuals as Ajay Chavda, a resident of Tarkpur in Anand district's Khambhat taluka, and Hitesh Chauhan, a resident of Bhetawada in Ahmedabad district's Dholka taluka. The material was seized for investigation under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, while both men were detained under Section 35(1)(e) of the same law. They were subsequently handed over to Bavla Police Station for further legal proceedings under the Wildlife Protection Act.

The Alleged Supply Chain

During questioning, Chavda allegedly told police that Mehul Dabhi, also from Tarkpur in Khambhat, had called him to Bavla to assist in selling the ambergris. Chavda reportedly travelled there with Kishan Gohel and another individual. According to the statement recorded by police, the group met near Gawaliya Hotel, where Chauhan arrived with ambergris obtained from Ashok Vaghela of Hedalpara in Khambhat — allegedly on the instructions of a person identified only as Sachin. The group then proceeded to the Akriti Arcade Complex parking area to hand over the substance to Gohel for sale, when the two men were apprehended.

Why Ambergris Is Illegal to Trade in India

Ambergris is a waxy substance produced in the digestive system of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), which is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act — the highest category of protection under Indian law. Its trade, possession, and sale are therefore prohibited. Despite this, ambergris commands exceptionally high prices in international markets due to its use as a fixative in high-end perfumes, where it helps fragrances last longer and enhances their scent profile. Historically, it has also been used in incense, scented oils, and — in some cultures — as a purported medicinal substance and aphrodisiac.

Notably, this is one of the larger ambergris seizures reported in Gujarat in recent years, underscoring persistent demand in illicit wildlife trade networks operating across the state. Further legal proceedings are being carried out through Bavla Police Station, and investigators have not ruled out more arrests as the alleged supply chain is traced.