Whale Vomit Seized in Vasai: Police Busts Smuggling Racket, Arrests 5 With Ambergris Worth INR 2.06 Crore
Vasai Police arrested five individuals and seized 2.58 kg of ambergris, or whale vomit, valued at INR 2.06 crore. Operating on a tip-off on August 2, officers uncovered an interstate smuggling network that reportedly procured the contraband from Kerala to sell locally. The market value of the seized contraband is estimated at INR 2,05,80,000.
Vasai Police have busted an interstate wildlife smuggling network with the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of 2.58 kg of ambergris - commonly known as whale vomit - valued at approximately INR 2.06 crore in the international market. The operation was conducted on August 2, following a tip-off regarding suspects attempting to sell the prohibited substance.
Operation and Trap at Vasai
According to police reports, a routine patrol team from the Vasai Police Station was deployed near G.G. College at around 7:00 PM on August 2. Acting on intelligence that two individuals were looking for prospective buyers to offload a consignment of ambergris, officers laid a trap and apprehended the suspects. Vasai Viral Video: Man Caught Masturbating in Front of Minor Girls, Handed to Police.
Vasai Police Seize 2.58 kg of Whale Vomit, Five Arrested
🚨 वसई पोलिसांची मोठी कारवाई 🚨
वसई परिसरात जी.जी. कॉलेज येथे दोन इसम वेल माशाची उलटी (Ambergris) विक्रीसाठी येणार असल्याची गोपनीय माहिती वसई पोलिसांना प्राप्त झाली होती.
या माहितीच्या आधारे गुन्हे प्रकटीकरण शाखेच्या पथकाने तात्काळ कारवाई करून जी.जी. कॉलेजच्या पाठीमागील परिसरात… pic.twitter.com/mfJo6QVgh0
— MIRA BHAYANDAR VASAI VIRAR POLICE (@MBVVPOLICE) August 3, 2026
A search of a black bag in their possession led to the recovery of 2.058 kg of ambergris. The market value of the seized contraband is estimated at INR 2,05,80,000. In a post on X, the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar Police said, "Preliminary inquiry revealed that, this whale vomit is used for making medicines as well as expensive fragrant substances (perfumes)".
Arrests and Interstate Connections
The initial operation led to the detention of Anil Sunil Sawant (28), a resident of Golden Nest, Vasai, and Mehbub Hussain Qureshi (38), a resident of Bhayandar West. Subsequent interrogation and sustained technical investigation led police to two more suspects: Vishal Santosh Thakare (28), a resident of Malegaon in Nashik district, and Ankit alias Krishna Pahadi (28), a resident of Kannad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Preliminary findings indicate that the accused procured the ambergris from Kerala with the intent of commercial distribution in Vasai. Maharashtra Rains: Flash Flood Sweeps Away 2 Cars in Vasai, Driver Escapes Moments Before (Watch).
Legal Proceedings in the Case
A formal case has been registered at the Vasai Police Station under Crime No. 701/2026, invoking relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Authorities are expanding their probe to identify other links within the interstate network. The operation was executed under the leadership of senior police officials, including Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik, Additional Commissioner of Police Sachin Shinde, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Rokade, alongside a specialised team comprising Assistant Commissioner of Police Sachin Sanap and Senior Police Inspector (Crime) CSP Pawar.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 08:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
