Pune Forest Officials Seize ₹2 Crore Ambergris, Three Accused In Extended Custody
Pune Forest Officials Seize ₹2 Crore Ambergris, Three Accused In Extended Custody
Pune, August 25, 2025: In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Pune Forest Department seized 2 kg of ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, valued at nearly ₹2 crore in the international market. The operation, conducted on August 21 near Kothrud–Chandani Chowk, led to the arrest of three suspects, while a fourth accused remains absconding.
Acting on confidential intelligence, a team of forest officials laid a strategic trap and recovered the contraband. Ambergris, a rare substance secreted by sperm whales, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is primarily used in luxury perfumes for its unique fragrance-binding properties.
The arrested individuals were initially remanded to three days of forest custody, which was later extended for an additional three days by the district magistrate on August 24 to enable further interrogation.
Manoj Barbole, Range Forest Officer, Pune Forest Department, stated, “Preliminary investigation suggests the racket extends beyond Pune and may have international links. We are investigating the involvement of more individuals.”
A senior officer, on condition of anonymity, revealed that all arrested belong to Maharashtra and that the smuggling operation may have connections to coastal regions.
Under the Wildlife Protection Act, possession, trade, or hunting of sperm whales and their by-products is a serious offence under Sections 2(32), 9, 39, 44, 48(A), 49, 50, and 51.
The Pune Forest Division has intensified its probe to trace the absconding accused and uncover the wider smuggling network.
