Alibag Police Seize Ambergris Worth ₹4 Crore, Detain Man During Coastal Patrol

Alibag Police seized 4 kg of suspected ambergris valued at ₹4 crore during a coastal patrol at Chalmala village in Raigad district.

Rahul Pandharinath Hatni, 33, was detained near a jetty at 1:30 am while riding a Honda Activa; the ambergris was concealed in the scooter's storage compartment.

The accused and seized material were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Alibag, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits possession, transportation, and trade of ambergris.

Raigad Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal said intensified coastal patrolling aims to strengthen maritime security and curb illegal activities along the coastline.

Ambergris is a rare waxy substance from sperm whales, highly valued in perfumery, but its trade is illegal in India under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.