Gujarat Police seize ₹4.30 crore ambergris in Bhavnagar, four arrested
Synopsis
Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell busted an alleged ambergris smuggling ring in coastal Bhavnagar, seizing over 4.3 kg of the rare whale-derived substance worth ₹4.30 crore. Four men are in custody; two alleged suppliers remain at large — highlighting Gujarat's coastline as a pressure point for high-value illegal wildlife trade.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell seized 4.306 kg of suspected ambergris worth ₹4,30,60,000 in Bhavnagar on 11 July .
Total value of all seized property, including other recovered articles, was estimated at ₹4,31,60,100 .
Four persons — Imran Parmar , Sajidkhan Pathan , Faizan Madhra , and Sabbir Saiyed — were arrested under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 .
Two alleged suppliers, Abhishek Rathod and Bharat Bharwad , remain absconding.
The sperm whale, the source of ambergris, is listed under Schedule I of India's Wildlife (Protection) Act — the highest protection category.
The raid was conducted on directions from DGP G.S.
Malik and led by PI R.K.
Karmata of the State Monitoring Cell.
The Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell on Saturday, 11 July seized 4.306 kg of suspected ambergris — commonly called whale vomit — valued at over ₹4.30 crore in Bhavnagar district, arresting four persons for alleged illegal possession and intended sale of the protected wildlife product.
How the Raid Unfolded
The operation was conducted in an open coastal area near Blue Sky Society in Budhel village, under the jurisdiction of Vartej Police Station. The raid followed directions from Gujarat Director General of Police G.S. Malik to crack down on illegal activities across the state.
Police Inspector R.K. Karmata of the State Monitoring Cell led the operation. Officers apprehended Imran Parmar of Akhalol (originally from Limda, Umrala taluka), Sajidkhan Pathan of Ruvapuri Road, Bhavnagar, Faizan Madhra of Indiranagar, Budhel village, and Sabbir Saiyed of Indishnagar, Budhel village. The four were arrested while meeting at night, allegedly to identify a buyer for the consignment.
What Was Seized
The recovered material comprised hard, solid pieces varying in size and shape, with colours ranging from white and cream to golden brown. Officials from the Forest Department and the Forensic Science Laboratory examined the substance and confirmed it as ambergris.
The seized ambergris weighed 4.306 kg and was valued at ₹4,30,60,000. Including other articles recovered during the operation, the total estimated value of seized property stood at ₹4,31,60,100. The material was seized under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The Alleged Network
According to investigators, the accused told police during questioning that two absconding suspects — Abhishek Rathod and Bharat Bharwad, both residents of Bhavnagar — had handed over the ambergris to Imran Parmar and Sajidkhan Pathan two days earlier for safekeeping, with a promise of commission upon sale. Parmar allegedly stored the consignment before summoning Faizan Madhra and Shabbir Saiyed to Budhel village the following day. The four reportedly decided to hold the material with Faizan and Shabbir while searching for a buyer.
The four accused were detained under Section 35(1)(E) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and handed over to Vartej Police Station for further legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Two suspects remain at large.
Why Ambergris Is Illegal to Trade in India
Ambergris is a rare, waxy substance produced in the digestive tract of sperm whales and has long been prized as a fixative in high-end perfumes, where it helps fragrances last longer. It has also featured in incense, aromatic oils, and certain traditional medicinal practices — factors that drive its high value in illegal international markets.
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022, the sperm whale is listed under Schedule I, which confers the highest level of legal protection on the species. Trade in ambergris derived from sperm whales is consequently prohibited under Indian wildlife law, and offences attract stringent penal action. This is among the higher-value ambergris seizures reported in Gujarat in recent years, underscoring the state's emergence as a transit point for illegal wildlife products along the coastline.
Point of View
Pointing to a structured supply chain rather than opportunistic finds. The presence of two absconding alleged suppliers in this case suggests an organised network beyond the four men in custody. What remains underexamined is the demand side: ambergris commands its price because high-end global perfume and traditional medicine markets absorb it, often through layered intermediaries that Indian enforcement rarely traces. Charging under the Wildlife (Protection) Act is necessary but insufficient — without dismantling the buyer network, seizures remain supply-side disruptions that leave the trade's economics intact.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ambergris and why is it valuable?
Ambergris is a rare, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is highly valued as a fixative in premium perfumes — helping fragrances last longer — and has historically been used in incense, aromatic oils, and traditional medicinal practices, driving its high price in illegal international markets.
Is ambergris legal to possess or sell in India?
No. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022, the sperm whale is listed under Schedule I, giving the species the highest legal protection. Trade in ambergris derived from sperm whales is prohibited, and offences attract stringent penal action.
Who was arrested in the Bhavnagar ambergris case?
Four persons were arrested: Imran Parmar, Sajidkhan Pathan, Faizan Madhra, and Sabbir Saiyed. Two alleged suppliers — Abhishek Rathod and Bharat Bharwad, both from Bhavnagar — are reportedly absconding and under investigation.
How much was the seized ambergris worth?
The 4.306 kg of suspected ambergris was valued at ₹4,30,60,000. Including other articles recovered during the operation, the total estimated value of all seized property was ₹4,31,60,100, according to police.
Under which laws were the accused charged?
The accused were detained under Section 35(1)(E) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and handed over to Vartej Police Station for further action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The seized material was secured under Section 106 of the same Sanhita pending investigation.
