Stories
Major Whale Vomit Smuggling Scandal Exposed in Pune, Five Arrested
N
News18•12-10-2026, 07:07
Major Whale Vomit Smuggling Scandal Exposed in Pune, Five Arrested
- •The forest department laid a trap in the Bhor area of Pune and apprehended five individuals transporting five kilograms of suspected whale vomit.
- •The accused have been identified as Iqbal Daud Pathan, Mahamad Rahimsaheb Bagwan, Abhijit Ashok Hetukar, Nilesh Naresh Hetukar, and Kiran Naresh Hetukar.
- •The market value of the seized five kilograms of ambergris is estimated to be around five crores of rupees.
- •Authorities also seized two four-wheelers and six mobile phones from the suspects, and the court remanded them in police custody until Tuesday.
- •Whale vomit, scientifically known as ambergris, is highly valued and smuggled due to its extensive use in manufacturing long-lasting perfumes and incense sticks.
Key Questions Answered
Acting on a tip-off about illegal activity, the forest department set up a trap on a Saturday evening and detained five people traveling in a four-wheeler with a specific type of vomit suspected to be ambergris.
Ambergris contains components that help perfumes adhere to the body and make fragrances last longer, making it extremely valuable to perfume manufacturers and luxury brands.
A case was registered at the Bhor Forest Department under the Wildlife Protection Act, and the court remanded all five detained individuals in police custody until Tuesday.
