MUMBAI: Five members of an interstate gang were arrested on Monday for allegedly attempting to sell 2.1kg of ambergris, a rare substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, valued at around ₹2 crore in the international market.
Acting on a tip-off, the police laid a trap near G.G. College in Vasai (West), where they detained the suspects after they allegedly arrived to sell the contraband to a prospective buyer.
During the operation, police seized 2.1kg of ambergris, an SUV, five mobile phones, cash and other articles collectively valued at ₹2 crore.
The accused were identified as Udit Satavase, 38, Krishnakant Desai, 34, Vishal Thakre, 28, Akil Pivi, 28, and Suhad Koya, 32. Preliminary investigations suggest they were part of an interstate wildlife trafficking network. Police said the accused had travelled from Kerala by train and were negotiating the sale in Vasai.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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