In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, the Crime Branch of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police has apprehended two individuals for the illegal possession of ambergris, often dubbed 'floating gold', valued at a staggering Rs 1.3 crore in the black market. The operation, based on a specific tip-off, led to the recovery of 1.380 kilograms of the banned substance.
The Sting Operation and Arrests
The arrests took place on Markal Road in Alandi on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Acting on intelligence gathered by Police Constable Harshad Kadam, a specialized team swung into action. The team, led by Assistant Police Inspectors Raosaheb Mothe and Pandurang Devkate, and including personnel Chandrakant Gadade, Vinod Veer, Vishal Gaikwad, Somnath More, and Audumbar Ronghe, successfully laid a trap and nabbed the suspects.
The accused have been identified as Shubham Padmakar Adagale (23) and Akshay alias Dadya Varankar, both residents of Gholap Vasti in Alandi. A search conducted by the police team resulted in the seizure of the ambergris from Adagale. Senior Police Inspector Vijay Dhamal confirmed that Adagale had allegedly obtained the contraband from Varankar, leading to the arrest of both.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Details
An FIR was subsequently registered at the Alandi police station. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shivaji Pawar stated that the accused have been charged under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The duo was produced before a court on Sunday, December 28, which remanded them to police custody for two days to facilitate further interrogation.
Investigation Officer, Police Sub-Inspector Rahul Dudhmal, noted that Varankar has a previous criminal record. The police revealed that the accused were suspected to be actively searching for a buyer. Preliminary findings suggest that a suspect from Mumbai was expected to arrive in Pune to take delivery of the seized ambergris. A thorough probe is now underway to uncover the source of this rare substance and identify the entire buyer-seller network involved.
Understanding Ambergris and Its Illegal Status
Often mistakenly called 'whale vomit', ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the digestive system of sperm whales, a protected species. In India, sperm whales are listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, making the possession and trade of any of their derivatives, including ambergris, a serious offence. While some countries regulate its trade, nations like India, the USA, and Australia have imposed a complete ban.
Its rarity and high demand in the perfume industry, especially for creating musky notes, drive its astronomical price. In illicit international markets, ambergris can command between Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore per kilogram, justifying its 'floating gold' moniker. Key illegal markets are believed to be in the Middle East, certain European countries, and parts of Southeast Asia.
This seizure adds to a growing list of ambergris cases intercepted by police and forest authorities across India, highlighting the ongoing challenges in curbing this lucrative wildlife trade.
