Ahmedabad: The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) arrested two men after seizing 4.354kg of ambergris worth about Rs 4.4 crore from a parking lot near Bavla on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway on Thursday.The accused were identified as Ajay Chavda of Tarapur in Anand district and Hitesh Chauhan of Bhetavada village in Dholka, according to an SMC release.Acting on specific instructions, the SMC team raided the parking area of Akriti Arcade Complex near Bavla Chowkdi. Forest department officials and forensic science laboratory personnel examined the substance and confirmed it to be ambergris. The value of the seized ambergris and other items was estimated at Rs 4.4 crore.Ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the digestive system of sperm whales and is highly sought after by the international perfume industry. Used as a fixative that enhances and prolongs fragrances, it commands a high price in the illegal wildlife trade.Investigators said Chavda allegedly told them he had been called to Bavla to facilitate the sale of the ambergris. He and others had reportedly travelled from Tarapur, while Chauhan allegedly brought the contraband to the meeting point. The deal was being arranged in the parking area when the SMC team intercepted them.The sperm whale is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as amended in 2022, providing it the highest degree of legal protection. The accused were later handed over to Bavla police for further action under the wildlife protection law.
