Bengaluru, Aug 10(Agency) The City Crime Branch(CCB) police on Tuesday arrested five persons for selling ambergris, also known as ‘floating gold, worth Rs 80 crore in the international market. Police said arrested persons have been identified as Mujeeb Pasha(48), Mahamed Munna(45), Gulab Chand(40), Santosh(31) and Janaganath Achar(52)– all residents of Bengaluru city. Ambergris, police said, is a wax-like substance found in the digestive system of a few sperm whales. It is extremely valuable and rare and is primarily used in the production of perfumes and musk products, due to its unique smell.
Taking to Twitter Joint Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil said, ‘This is a unique catch by the CCB..80 Kgs of Ambergris (also called Floating Gold) seized worth Rs 80 cr!! is product of Sperm Whales was intended to be smuggled out of Ind..is in high demand in Intl market..5 arrested’ On a tip-off, the CCB police raided a shop in which the accused were selling old antique pieces and found the 80 kgs of Ambergris. In in the international market this substance valued Rs one crore for one kg. The sale and possession of ambergris in India is a punishable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act as sperm whales are listed as an endangered species, he added.