The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has arrested three people and seized 1.051 kg of ambergris, a substance derived from sperm whales, allegedly being transported for sale in the Naroda area of Ahmedabad.

According to officials, the seized ambergris is valued at approximately ₹1.05 crore. The action was taken after the Crime Branch received information that three individuals were allegedly carrying the substance for illegal sale and transportation.

The operation was conducted as part of efforts under Operation Thunder-2026, which focuses on tackling wildlife and forest-related offences and illegal trade involving fauna and flora. Crime Branch teams were formed to identify and take action against those allegedly involved in illegal wildlife trade.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Maheshbhai Rathod, 46, Kiran alias Bhurabhai Bharwad, 25, and Karan Dininath God, 27. Police said the three were allegedly involved in the sale and transportation of ambergris.

The seized material has been taken into custody, while further investigation is underway to determine its source, the circumstances surrounding its possession and the intended sale.

The Crime Branch said the action was part of measures to protect terrestrial and marine wildlife and curb illegal wildlife trade and transportation.