India News | Man Held with Rs 5 Crore Ambergris in Thane
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. Police have arrested a man after seizing ambergris, or whale vomit, valued at Rs 5 crore from his possession in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Wednesday.
Thane, Jan 22 (PTI) Police have arrested a man after seizing ambergris, or whale vomit, valued at Rs 5 crore from his possession in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Wednesday.
Ambergris is a waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and its trade is illegal. It is often called “floating gold” due to the immense price it fetches in the international markets for its use in luxury perfumes.
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Acting on a tip, a crime unit team maintained vigil in Rabodi area on Monday and apprehended the 53-year-old man on the basis of suspicion, senior police inspector Sachin Gaikwad said.
The police recovered 5.48 kg of ambergris, valued at Rs 5 crore, from his possession, the official said.
The accused, identified as Niteen Mutanna Morelu, hailing from Pune, was arrested and booked under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, he said.
The police were trying to find out from where the accused got the contraband and to whom he planned to sell it.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)