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Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Ambergris smuggling case probe hits wall
Margao: Over two weeks after Sanguem police cracked what appeared to be a sophisticated interstate ambergris smuggling network with the arrest of four accused, the investigation has hit a wall, with authorities struggling to uncover the broader syndicate behind the illegal whale vomit trade. Despite the earlier arrests of Sainath Shet from Ponda, Ratnakant Karapurkar from Zuarinagar, and Vegesh Redkar from Sawantwadi, and the subsequent nabbing of Sachin Mhatre from Pen in Raigad, police sources indicate that the probe yielded little new information about the supply chain or potential buyers of the banned substance. However, weeks of interrogation and follow-up investigations failed to penetrate deeper into what was initially suspected as a well-organised smuggling syndicate. The case began with the June 6 seizure of 5.75kg of ambergris worth Rs 10 crore at the remote Dabamol village in Sanguem taluka. Initial investigations revealed promising leads when Mhatre's arrest exposed the interstate nature of the operation, with police discovering that Redkar sourced the contraband from the Raigad resident. TNNThe choice of Dabamol village as a transaction point has also left the cops puzzled, with investigators unable to determine whether this was a regular meeting spot or a one-off Inspector Ditendra Naik earlier expressed confidence about making additional arrests and busting the entire network, but sources now indicate that the four accused may represent only the lower rungs of the operation. The case bears similarities to previous ambergris seizures in the state, including incidents in Feb 2024 and 2020.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Investigation deepens in Rs 10 crore whale vomit case as police track supply chain
Assam Police seizes drugs worth Rs 11.5 crore in two separate operations Margao: A day after the arrest of three persons with nearly 6kg of ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, worth over Rs 10 crore, Sanguem police continue their investigation into what they suspect to be a sophisticated interstate smuggling network. Sainath Shet from Ponda, Ratuakant Karapurkar from Zuarinagar, and Vegesh Redkar from Sawantwadi were remanded in four-day police custody after they were found in possession of the banned substance at Dabamol, Sanguem. 'The choice of Dabamal village as a trading point remains puzzling,' said a senior police official. 'It's a close-knit community where outsiders are easily noticed, yet the accused chose this location for their transaction.' The seizure of two vehicles provided crucial leads about the transportation routes to the police, though police officials remain tight-lipped over the progress of the investigation. South Goa SP Tikam Singh Verma told TOI that the police obtained some crucial leads in the matter and that they are actively working on them. Police said that more arrests in the case may follow. The case has taken on greater significance as police draw connections to the Feb 2024 seizure by the Konkan Railway police, where two Kerala residents were caught with nearly 6kg of whale vomit valued at Rs 5.6 crore at the Margao railway station. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Ambergris, a waxy substance produced in sperm whales' digestive systems, is highly valued in the perfume industry. However, its sale and possession are prohibited in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as it is considered a derivative from protected marine mammals. The substance's rarity and high value make it attractive to smugglers despite severe legal consequences. The three accused were charged under the Wildlife Protection Act's Section 39 (wild animals, to be govt property), Section 44 (prohibits dealing in trophies and animal articles without a licence), Section 49B (prohibits dealing in trophies, animal articles, derived from scheduled animals), and Section 51 (outlines penalties for offences committed under the Act). Police said that the accused intended to trade the ambergris for monetary gain without possessing any authorisation. Police are now also examining possible connections between the current case under investigation and the 2020 Sawantwadi case, where three Goans were arrested.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Time of India
Whale vomit worth Rs 10 crore seized at Sanguem
Margao: Sanguem police on Friday arrested three persons and seized nearly 6kg of ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, valued at over Rs 10 crore. Police sources said that acting on a tip-off, a trap was laid at Dabamal, Sanguem. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This led to the arrest of Sainath Shet, 50, from Ponda, Ratuakant Karapurkar, 55, from Zuarinagar, and Vegesh Redkar, 40, from Sawantwadi, after they were found to possess ambergris. A waxy substance produced in sperm whales' digestive systems, ambergris is highly valued in the perfume industry. However, its sale and possession are prohibited in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as it is considered a derivative from protected marine mammals. The three men were charged under Sections 39, 44, 49B, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Police said that the suspects intended to trade the ambergris for monetary gain without possessing any authorisation. The operation also resulted in the attachment of two vehicles that were allegedly used in the transportation. Following their arrest, all three accused were remanded to four days in police custody. Police said the investigation is aimed at uncovering the broader network involved in the illegal trade.
NDTV
06-06-2025
- NDTV
Goa Police Recover Whale Vomit Valued At Rs 10 Crore, 3 Arrested
Panaji: The police have recovered whale vomit, or ambergris, valued at about Rs 10 crore from three persons in South Goa, an official said on Friday. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted a car in Sanguem village on Thursday and seized 5.75 kg of the waxy substance, which is used in the perfume industry, he said. Ambergris is produced in the intestines of sperm whales, which are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, meaning any trade or possession of their byproducts is prohibited in India. A police spokesperson said the whale vomit could fetch about Rs 10 crore in the international market. The trio, identified as Sainath Shet (50) and Ratnakant Karapurkar (55) of Goa and Yogesh Redkar (40) from Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, have been arrested, he said, adding that a probe is underway to ascertain the source of the ambergris. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
