Gujarat man arrested with whale vomit worth Rs 80 lakh in Mumbai

MUMBAI: In a joint operation, Kurla police and forest officials arrested a 28-year-old man for illegally possessing and attempting to sell whale vomit (ambergris), a protected wildlife product, valued at ?80 lakh.

Acting on a tip-off, the police alerted the forest department after detaining a suspect allegedly found in possession of the contraband.


A forest department team reached the spot near the gate of Bohri Kabristan on LBS Marg in Kurla West, where police had detained Vishnubhai Makwana, a resident of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Upon examination using the hot iron test, the substance was prima facie identified as whale vomit (ambergris).

The total weight of the seized material was found to be 627 grams. The accused was allegedly found in illegal possession of the contraband between 12.30am and 2am on December 21, 2025, with the intent to sell it.

Based on a complaint, Kurla police registered a case against Makwana under Sections 39, 44, 49B and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Further investigation is underway.



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