INDIA: VADODARA CITY POLICE ARRESTED SIX MEN ON WEDNESDAY FOR TRYING TO SELL AMBERGRIS, A RARE AND EXPENSIVE SUBSTANCE OFTEN CALLED “WHALE VOMIT.” . (PHOTO).

 Vadodara city police arrested six men on Wednesday for trying to sell ambergris, a rare and expensive substance often called “whale vomit.” 

The police received a tip-off that the accused were moving around Bil village with the item in a car. They acted quickly and stopped the vehicle. Upon checking, they found the ambergris hidden inside.

The seized ambergris is valued at over ₹1.58 crore. The six men arrested have been identified as Surendra Chavda, Gautam Vasava, Deepak Rabari, Siddharth Tadvi, Surajsinh Kamboj, and Raju Bharwad. Police said they were trying to find a buyer in Vadodara when they were caught.

Ambergris is a substance formed inside the intestines of sperm whales when they consume things they cannot digest. It is used mainly in making perfumes and some medicines because of its strong smell and rare qualities. However, its trade is banned in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, as whales are a protected species.

Police are now investigating how the men got hold of the ambergris and whether a larger gang is involved. Officials are also checking if the substance came from Indian waters or was smuggled from outside the country. Further legal action will be taken after the investigation is complete.